BLOG 2: Sinnah Litsey
Tuesday:
We had our first official day of VBS and it was truly amazing. When our team stepped off the bus and into the school courtyard, we were greeted with songs and dancing from the school children. After they had completed their beautiful performances, we were then greeted excitedly with hand shakes and curiosity from each child. Our team was ready and prepared to fulfill the mission of showing the love of Jesus to His children.
Our team had multiple activities taking place simultaneously such as singing, Bible stories, arts/crafts, and sports activities. Hearing the laughter and excited screams from each child was such a blessing. Watching the children run after bubbles and popping them with glee while listening to praise and worship songs was nothing short of a blessing. The biggest blessing was knowing that each child was being provided the opportunity to dream of a future. A future that would have not been possible if it had not been for the godly obedience of Mary Kamau and her husband Wallace.
Our team shared a cozy home cooked meal of chili and cornbread with the Giles Family (missionaries that E91 started supporting last year) at their home Tuesday evening. It was amazing and inspiring hearing the incredible story of how they began a welding and Bible study ministry while they were in Ethiopia. They spoke about the needs of the people around them and the limited opportunities for employment. They spoke abut the difficulties families had feeding their children due to the lack of job opportunities. They spoke about how God placed it on their hearts to begin a welding ministry with the men, and a Bible study ministry with the women. They spoke about how God led them to Kenya to continue the same ministry. Their story was a reminder that God can use anything as ministry to further His kingdom.
Unfortunately, the enemy has been doing all he can to attack the Giles and their CMF Team in Kenya. They spoke about the intense spiritual warfare they have been experiencing, and the difficulties and setbacks they have faced. They spoke about how one of their missionary partners was involved in a serious car accident, even sharing how one of their Kenyan partners was flung from of the car but survived. They spoke about the injuries their missionary partner received. They also spoke about the car accident Adam Giles was involved in with a drunk driver. Alison spoke about how she has been in deep mourning over leaving Ethiopia. She spoke about the difficulties of learning Swahili due to her anxiety and all the attacks they have been facing.
Even with the attacks and tricks the enemy has been doing, the Giles are looking at the cross and leaning on the Lord for strength and comfort. He is the good shepherd. He has them under his wings. The enemy knows his time is quickly coming to an end because the battle belongs to the Lord.
Wednesday: Day 2 of VBS
Our team kicked off the last day of VBS strong and with high energy. Although we had a different and older group of school children our mission remained the same. The children were lively and engaged in each activity. Their immense joy and laughter was infectious.
After VBS, our team completed home visits for each child that a member of our team was sponsoring who lived near the school. The extreme poverty around us was difficult to cope with. Men, women, and children looked at us with curiosity and smiles as we walked through. Little children yelled “mzungu!” and waved enthusiastically at us. Our team met with the parents of some of sponsor children and it was evident that MOHI was making a difference in the lives of each family. Seeing how emotional and grateful the parents were that their childrens' education were being invested in made us realize even more the amazing work MOHI was doing.
Later that evening our team, another church group from California, and the CMF Reach interns had dinner at the home of Mary and Wallace. Mary inquired about what had stood out to each team during their time thus far in Kenya. Various members from each team shared how God had opened their eyes and hearts. A social work intern shared how she was able to share her testimony with a single mother of 5 children. She shared how the mother was unemployed, unable to feed her children, depressed, and suicidal. The intern shared that she spoke about a family member of hers who had committed suicide. She prayed with the mother and ordered depression and thoughts of suicide to be gone in the name of Jesus. She said, “I heard her release a huge sigh of relief.”
In truth we have all been transformed in some way during our time in Kenya. There are many stories to be shared and many families who have experienced Him. It’s incredible how God can use our testimonies and life experiences to help others. It’s a great testament that nothing is ever wasted with God, and that what was meant for evil, God would use for good. How wonderful is it to celebrate and worship God with fellow believers from different parts of the world! How wonderful is it to be so blessed to be called His children as we do our part in growing the kingdom!
Thursday: Field trip day
We had a fun filled day at the animal orphanage with over 200 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Our team was amazed at how well behaved each child was and how respectful they were of their teachers and the tour guide. Each child was eager to learn about the animals and responded respectfully when the tour guide asked them questions
We took the students to lunch at KFC and our team and the teachers served each child. It was incredibly sweet being able to serve them.
Friday: visiting the Special Needs Therapy Center
We split our group in half. While one group went to visit children living with disabilities, the other attended the MOHI Vocational Training Institute. We learned that there were approximately 88 children with special needs attending the school we visited. We also learned that the some of the parents were afraid of their children because they did not know nor understood special needs. With that being said, many of the children had been neglected for a long time prior to MOHI being involved. MOHI has been doing extraordinary things with the children and ensuring they know how loved and valued they are not just by staff, but by God himself.
Personal testimony:
I was born in Sierra Leone, West African and lived there till I was 8 years old. My adopted parents became missionaries when I was in middle school. We lived in Guinea, West Africa for three years during that time. I never once saw a child with special needs. The first time I saw a child in Africa with special needs (autism) was at the age of 28 while doing a mission trip in Ghana, West Africa in 2022. When I first saw the child I couldn’t quite figure out or understand why she looked different. Seeing a child with special needs was very rare and not something really spoken about. I was very curious and intrigued when I found out that MOHI had a school for children who are living with special needs.
When we first stepped into the classroom of approximately 11 children, I was surprised and take aback with how many children there were who were special needs. Just like in Ghana, West Africa, my mind could not comprehend what was going on. After a few minutes I was playing and laughing with the children.
We took the children outside on the MOHI soccer field and played sports with them. One of the staff members brought out the bubble machine, and the children absolutely loved the bubbles. There was a girl named Mariam (name changed for security purposes) whom I had been pushing around in her wheel chair and playing soccer with. Mariam was about 12 or 13 years old. Mariam and I were sitting in the shade talking about what she liked to do. She told me that her favorite thing to do was to sing praise and worship. I was caught off guard by her response because I was not expecting her to say that. Then I asked her what her favorite song was. She said her favorite song was "Goodness of God". I was once again caught off guard. I told her it was my favorite song as well and that I would play it for her.
Mariam began to sing along with the song with a big smile on her face as it played. I watched her as she sang, amazed at how much joy and love she had for God. I sang a little bit with her then stopped as I looked around me. Every child was laughing and filled with joy. Some were running around popping bubbles, some were coloring bracelets we had brought, and others were sitting with either staff or one of my team members doing various activities. I felt tears in my eyes and my lips trembled watching those beautiful children. Mariam’s joy and that of the other children was the beauty of God. They had found happiness and hope through Gods grace in a society that did not value or want them. For the second time in my life I saw the face of God.
There was a little girl about 6 years old who I had been giving water to constantly due to the heat and how much running around she was doing. She was so sweet and I felt motherly and protective of her. Each time I looked into her big brown eyes I prayed that she would always know God. When we all walked back inside to the classroom I cupped her little face in my hands and cleaned it off. She looked so trustingly at me and smiled sweetly. I smiled back at her and prayed in my heart once more that she would always know God. I prayed that she would always remember and know her value. I prayed that people would always be kind to her. I prayed in my heart that each of children would always remember God and His love for them.
I’m very thankful and so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to see and interact with the children. I am thankful I was able to see His goodness in the land of the living. I am thankful that I was once more able to see His face for the second time in my life.
I pray that each child in Africa that has a disability or special needs experiences the joy and love of God. Children are a gift from God and He does not make mistakes. I pray that He continues to use me to for His glory. May He always be gloried in all we do. - Sinnah Litsey
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” -Psalm 27:14
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” -Psalm 34:8
“For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well.” -Psalm 139:13-14
Tuesday:
We had our first official day of VBS and it was truly amazing. When our team stepped off the bus and into the school courtyard, we were greeted with songs and dancing from the school children. After they had completed their beautiful performances, we were then greeted excitedly with hand shakes and curiosity from each child. Our team was ready and prepared to fulfill the mission of showing the love of Jesus to His children.
Our team had multiple activities taking place simultaneously such as singing, Bible stories, arts/crafts, and sports activities. Hearing the laughter and excited screams from each child was such a blessing. Watching the children run after bubbles and popping them with glee while listening to praise and worship songs was nothing short of a blessing. The biggest blessing was knowing that each child was being provided the opportunity to dream of a future. A future that would have not been possible if it had not been for the godly obedience of Mary Kamau and her husband Wallace.
Our team shared a cozy home cooked meal of chili and cornbread with the Giles Family (missionaries that E91 started supporting last year) at their home Tuesday evening. It was amazing and inspiring hearing the incredible story of how they began a welding and Bible study ministry while they were in Ethiopia. They spoke about the needs of the people around them and the limited opportunities for employment. They spoke abut the difficulties families had feeding their children due to the lack of job opportunities. They spoke about how God placed it on their hearts to begin a welding ministry with the men, and a Bible study ministry with the women. They spoke about how God led them to Kenya to continue the same ministry. Their story was a reminder that God can use anything as ministry to further His kingdom.
Unfortunately, the enemy has been doing all he can to attack the Giles and their CMF Team in Kenya. They spoke about the intense spiritual warfare they have been experiencing, and the difficulties and setbacks they have faced. They spoke about how one of their missionary partners was involved in a serious car accident, even sharing how one of their Kenyan partners was flung from of the car but survived. They spoke about the injuries their missionary partner received. They also spoke about the car accident Adam Giles was involved in with a drunk driver. Alison spoke about how she has been in deep mourning over leaving Ethiopia. She spoke about the difficulties of learning Swahili due to her anxiety and all the attacks they have been facing.
Even with the attacks and tricks the enemy has been doing, the Giles are looking at the cross and leaning on the Lord for strength and comfort. He is the good shepherd. He has them under his wings. The enemy knows his time is quickly coming to an end because the battle belongs to the Lord.
Wednesday: Day 2 of VBS
Our team kicked off the last day of VBS strong and with high energy. Although we had a different and older group of school children our mission remained the same. The children were lively and engaged in each activity. Their immense joy and laughter was infectious.
After VBS, our team completed home visits for each child that a member of our team was sponsoring who lived near the school. The extreme poverty around us was difficult to cope with. Men, women, and children looked at us with curiosity and smiles as we walked through. Little children yelled “mzungu!” and waved enthusiastically at us. Our team met with the parents of some of sponsor children and it was evident that MOHI was making a difference in the lives of each family. Seeing how emotional and grateful the parents were that their childrens' education were being invested in made us realize even more the amazing work MOHI was doing.
Later that evening our team, another church group from California, and the CMF Reach interns had dinner at the home of Mary and Wallace. Mary inquired about what had stood out to each team during their time thus far in Kenya. Various members from each team shared how God had opened their eyes and hearts. A social work intern shared how she was able to share her testimony with a single mother of 5 children. She shared how the mother was unemployed, unable to feed her children, depressed, and suicidal. The intern shared that she spoke about a family member of hers who had committed suicide. She prayed with the mother and ordered depression and thoughts of suicide to be gone in the name of Jesus. She said, “I heard her release a huge sigh of relief.”
In truth we have all been transformed in some way during our time in Kenya. There are many stories to be shared and many families who have experienced Him. It’s incredible how God can use our testimonies and life experiences to help others. It’s a great testament that nothing is ever wasted with God, and that what was meant for evil, God would use for good. How wonderful is it to celebrate and worship God with fellow believers from different parts of the world! How wonderful is it to be so blessed to be called His children as we do our part in growing the kingdom!
Thursday: Field trip day
We had a fun filled day at the animal orphanage with over 200 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Our team was amazed at how well behaved each child was and how respectful they were of their teachers and the tour guide. Each child was eager to learn about the animals and responded respectfully when the tour guide asked them questions
We took the students to lunch at KFC and our team and the teachers served each child. It was incredibly sweet being able to serve them.
Friday: visiting the Special Needs Therapy Center
We split our group in half. While one group went to visit children living with disabilities, the other attended the MOHI Vocational Training Institute. We learned that there were approximately 88 children with special needs attending the school we visited. We also learned that the some of the parents were afraid of their children because they did not know nor understood special needs. With that being said, many of the children had been neglected for a long time prior to MOHI being involved. MOHI has been doing extraordinary things with the children and ensuring they know how loved and valued they are not just by staff, but by God himself.
Personal testimony:
I was born in Sierra Leone, West African and lived there till I was 8 years old. My adopted parents became missionaries when I was in middle school. We lived in Guinea, West Africa for three years during that time. I never once saw a child with special needs. The first time I saw a child in Africa with special needs (autism) was at the age of 28 while doing a mission trip in Ghana, West Africa in 2022. When I first saw the child I couldn’t quite figure out or understand why she looked different. Seeing a child with special needs was very rare and not something really spoken about. I was very curious and intrigued when I found out that MOHI had a school for children who are living with special needs.
When we first stepped into the classroom of approximately 11 children, I was surprised and take aback with how many children there were who were special needs. Just like in Ghana, West Africa, my mind could not comprehend what was going on. After a few minutes I was playing and laughing with the children.
We took the children outside on the MOHI soccer field and played sports with them. One of the staff members brought out the bubble machine, and the children absolutely loved the bubbles. There was a girl named Mariam (name changed for security purposes) whom I had been pushing around in her wheel chair and playing soccer with. Mariam was about 12 or 13 years old. Mariam and I were sitting in the shade talking about what she liked to do. She told me that her favorite thing to do was to sing praise and worship. I was caught off guard by her response because I was not expecting her to say that. Then I asked her what her favorite song was. She said her favorite song was "Goodness of God". I was once again caught off guard. I told her it was my favorite song as well and that I would play it for her.
Mariam began to sing along with the song with a big smile on her face as it played. I watched her as she sang, amazed at how much joy and love she had for God. I sang a little bit with her then stopped as I looked around me. Every child was laughing and filled with joy. Some were running around popping bubbles, some were coloring bracelets we had brought, and others were sitting with either staff or one of my team members doing various activities. I felt tears in my eyes and my lips trembled watching those beautiful children. Mariam’s joy and that of the other children was the beauty of God. They had found happiness and hope through Gods grace in a society that did not value or want them. For the second time in my life I saw the face of God.
There was a little girl about 6 years old who I had been giving water to constantly due to the heat and how much running around she was doing. She was so sweet and I felt motherly and protective of her. Each time I looked into her big brown eyes I prayed that she would always know God. When we all walked back inside to the classroom I cupped her little face in my hands and cleaned it off. She looked so trustingly at me and smiled sweetly. I smiled back at her and prayed in my heart once more that she would always know God. I prayed that she would always remember and know her value. I prayed that people would always be kind to her. I prayed in my heart that each of children would always remember God and His love for them.
I’m very thankful and so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to see and interact with the children. I am thankful I was able to see His goodness in the land of the living. I am thankful that I was once more able to see His face for the second time in my life.
I pray that each child in Africa that has a disability or special needs experiences the joy and love of God. Children are a gift from God and He does not make mistakes. I pray that He continues to use me to for His glory. May He always be gloried in all we do. - Sinnah Litsey
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” -Psalm 27:14
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” -Psalm 34:8
“For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, and I know that full well.” -Psalm 139:13-14