EAST AFRICA REPORT FROM MATT
We’re thrilled to have Matt serving as our East Africa Coordinator with Unusual Soldiers. In addition to this vital role, Matt is also our very first officially approved ADVOCATE—meaning he has fully embraced the mission of Unusual Soldiers as his own. As an Advocate, Matt is entrusted with raising support and stewarding a portion of the ministry’s work on the ground. Currently, he’s focusing his efforts are focused on advancing an urgent initiative of piping clean water to a school near a Turkana village.
Here is Matt’s latest update:
We have returned from our ministry with the Maasai and Turkana tribes in Kenya. It was an incredible trip! Not only did we see God move in the hearts of people we interacted with, but also in our own hearts. This seems to be the story of many people who go on trips like this. You always go with the hope to be a blessing to the people to whom you minister, but somehow come away as the one who seems to be more blessed. This trip was also special for me (Matt) personally as I was able to take our oldest daughter, Sophie, with me. What a joy it was to watch Sophie minister to those around us and for her to dive into the culture! My ministry partner, Simon, who has been accompanying me on all my trips since 2008, brought his daughter, Grace, with him as well. I want to challenge you that if you can go on a mission trip with your son or daughter, take advantage of it! As a father, it was special to have a front row seat watching how Sophie handles a new culture and is willing to step out of her comfort zone to love those around her. It was a special shared experience we will never forget.
A Few Highlights
I was able to preach twice, first in a Turkana church, then in a Maasai church.
This is my second year ministering to a community called Nawiakipor, Turkana. In the last 3 years a water well has been drilled and a school has been built here. These have been a huge blessing to the Turkana. This year funds had to be spent to repair the water well.
We also were able to provide them with food and school supplies. God continues to expand the vision of how to help this community. I am amazed at how these projects have given us favor and opportunities to share the gospel in a largely unreached area.
God uses difficulty and ruined plans for his glory. I have discovered we can have our plans, but God’s plans are even better. For several hours our vehicle was stuck in the mud and we were miserable. However, during this time a large crowd gathered; I was able to share the Gospel with them and 17 people received Christ as their Savior!
While in this region of Kenya, I was wrecked. I witnessed people drinking out of mud puddles and I realized the need for water is great. On another occasion, a school teacher shared that she did not have enough food for the kids in her school. I also was told that desperation is so great for food and supplies, that fathers are giving away their daughters (as young as 10 years old!) for marriage so that they receive a dowry to take care of their family. I cannot imagine that kind of desperation. This community needs Jesus and to experience our risen Savior.
Our work is not done in Turkana, Kenya. Because of the unforeseen expenses of repairing a water well, we need to raise more funds. Our next project is to run an underground water pipe from our well to the Turkana school which is over a half mile away, in order to provide water to the school. We then hope to build a water tower to help others in this community…
We are so grateful!
Matt
Bringing hope and help to this area is costly and it’s no easy task. We are grateful for Matt’s Advance team of helping Unusual Soldiers bring hope to this desolate and dangerous area of Kenya.
