Africa Expedition 2025
We may be out of place tonight as we lay down to sleep in warm beds. For one night each trip we find ourselves as tourist in a game camp. This is a place we have been several times in the past but this is the first time our beds had a hot water bottle companion as we returned from supper. Some might even call it a whoopee cushion full of water…I’ll let you guess who that was!
We had a great final morning of ministry in the Kilgoris church. We were given a time slot to fill and we used it for all it was worth.
Our time started off as April gave her salvation testimony to the church. Her words were captivating to the Kenyans as she had been fairly quiet this trip. You could tell they were eager to hear from her as she stepped up to the stage and took the microphone. I know she doesn’t consider herself a public speaker, but God used her story in a mighty way this morning and touched the lives of many. It was a sweet time of reflection for us who knew her testimony, and a story of the many mighty miracles that God can do in our lives when we answer to His call.
Brian was ready next and spoke of various topics. Encouraging the church to work. Reminding them of the need to operate in the spiritual gift God gave each one. Charging them to be good stewards of the blessing God bestowed upon them. He spoke also of some testimony of his previous trip and of the way they welcomed us into this place being wonderful. He was able to speak of Stephanie and share how she was missing not being with us, which was nice because after being here for two previous years many of her friend's here needed a report.
Chip got the next spot as he shared from the heart about what Kilgoris and the church had done in his life, and how he has been able to invest in the people around him in America easier now because of his experience in Kenya last year. He spoke to them about changes in his life this past year, and how they too need to find a way to invest in others.
The Evangelist was up after that and he got fired up as always. He spoke with passion about the gospel, he encouraged them to go and tell the good news. He had examples for them to help create a realistic view, a view that would help them see that Kilgoris is a reachable place. There are enough church members to really make a impact, salvations were happening all week, if the passion for evangelism could remain as we go home the town wouldn’t look the same upon our return next time. He spoke of his dream to come here with his granddaughter and see her fall in love with Africa just as he has.
Uriah shared a testimony that was so powerful. His story of how someone stepped into his life and paid a debt so that he could be blessed. He used the events he had experienced to transform the love a person once showed to him, and spoke to us all about what Jesus did as he sacrificed and paid our debt on the cross. It wasn’t something we could do on our own, just as the actions of mercy and love shown to him by this friend were unreachable without his intervention. The church received the testimony with excitement, seeing such a young man standing and teaching so much truth in such a short time.
I was to follow Uriah. It was a emotional moment for me stepping up and trading places with my son. Taking the microphone for the last time in Kenya for this trip. I referenced only one verse as we were limited for time. I challenged the church on the topic of stewardship and ask them to consider Paul’s words as he said “For me to live is Christ”. If we can find ourselves in a place where that can be said of us, chances are we are stewarding well in a majority of our lives. We discussed some things that had happened throughout the week and I ended with a charge to them with two major request. One, Ezekiel needs help…He needs men to step up so he isn’t fulfilling every request himself. I hope they can help him in this area. Two was that when we return we need to set aside time for the Kenyans to share testimony of how the practice of the things we had taught were shared. Testimony of newly converted Christians, testimony from church members about how God used them to reach others. I said my final until next time farewell and retired back to my seat.
It felt like a good week, It felt productive, I tried to live this week for all it was worth.
In response several people got up from the church and gave wonderful testimony for the next few minutes. They were excited to share and I was excited to listen. Stories of transformed lives, stories of overcoming addiction, and salvations were all shared with us.
One of my favorites was a older couple who had received Christ last year on our mission trip to Olochani. The couple both shared how their lives had been transformed this past year as they have gotten to know Jesus in their newfound walk, and how grateful they were for the bibles we had been able to send last year as we left to come home. The very first person I ever met and prayed for in Kilgoris was there. She shared also with the church how her life had been transformed, she spoke about our very first time in Kilgoris, when pastor Eric was there and how we had cared enough to come to the place were she was rather than stay in the “church” building. And how since that very day her life had never been the same. She shared about her husband who was lost at the time and how we proved our faithfulness to pray for him and follow up for two more years and then Robert was finally able to share the gospel with him the day he was saved.
Many great stories were told…I love to hear the testimony of people who have been transformed by God. We might be tired but we have been able to leave Kilgoris completely having poured out all we had to offer, yet in our leaving we find ourselves overflowing with the love of these people and proof that we serve a mighty God, capable of all things.
We were done, and they kept with the traditions and gave us all beautiful gifts. Colorful shuka’s and handcrafted beaded jewelry turned us into honorary Maasai as we prepared to depart for the last time. Ezekiel’s final goodbye was one of heavy emotion as he fought back tears. We have formed a very intimate friendship and bond, it is difficult to say see you later knowing it’s a once a year trip.
Ezekiel is looking realistically at the maturing of our relationship. He spoke today to his church in final remarks, telling them what he and I have always kept in our minds and hearts… one day we need to move on from Kilgoris. As a thing matures, it reaches a point where it’s full grown, and steps into this great big world as God intended. Independent, but with God. He and I both believe the time is soon when we work together to find new places more in need of our time, as we work together to reach more and more soul’s for Christ. We have discussed it since day one, let us mature and go from this place to be true multiplying disciples. How exciting…
We drove away for the church. I’m glad I was in the front seat, because it was a sad moment. We made the dust swirl as we headed through town where only a few days before we were preaching in the streets. We made our way southwest and then almost due east as we headed to this paradise of a place on the rim of the Great Rift Valley. The porch of our room is at the actual edge of the escarpment and a heard of elephants could be seen grazing with the naked eye. Cape Buffalo and various other animals were like specs as we strained our eyes in amazement, taking in the stunning view that seems to go on forever. “I never thought I’d see so far.” To quote McMurtry’s words he penned for the character of Newt. That’s how I hear it in my mind as I look out over the valley. It is a great sight to behold. It goes all the way from the Serengeti of Tanzania to the southern end of the Red Sea. In a way I feel it ties us to the stories of the old testament. It’s still a long distance, but a man could walk for here to there if need be. It makes the world feel smaller.
Tomorrow we will drive to the bottom, we will see the animals that captivated so much of our imagination as a child and for a few moments we will all be in awe of the mighty hand that can imagine and create such magnificent things. For now I must find a way to sleep as once again the excitement of the morning teases my imagination.
Goodnight from the Great Rift Valley,
Todd Crabtree
We had a great final morning of ministry in the Kilgoris church. We were given a time slot to fill and we used it for all it was worth.
Our time started off as April gave her salvation testimony to the church. Her words were captivating to the Kenyans as she had been fairly quiet this trip. You could tell they were eager to hear from her as she stepped up to the stage and took the microphone. I know she doesn’t consider herself a public speaker, but God used her story in a mighty way this morning and touched the lives of many. It was a sweet time of reflection for us who knew her testimony, and a story of the many mighty miracles that God can do in our lives when we answer to His call.
Brian was ready next and spoke of various topics. Encouraging the church to work. Reminding them of the need to operate in the spiritual gift God gave each one. Charging them to be good stewards of the blessing God bestowed upon them. He spoke also of some testimony of his previous trip and of the way they welcomed us into this place being wonderful. He was able to speak of Stephanie and share how she was missing not being with us, which was nice because after being here for two previous years many of her friend's here needed a report.
Chip got the next spot as he shared from the heart about what Kilgoris and the church had done in his life, and how he has been able to invest in the people around him in America easier now because of his experience in Kenya last year. He spoke to them about changes in his life this past year, and how they too need to find a way to invest in others.
The Evangelist was up after that and he got fired up as always. He spoke with passion about the gospel, he encouraged them to go and tell the good news. He had examples for them to help create a realistic view, a view that would help them see that Kilgoris is a reachable place. There are enough church members to really make a impact, salvations were happening all week, if the passion for evangelism could remain as we go home the town wouldn’t look the same upon our return next time. He spoke of his dream to come here with his granddaughter and see her fall in love with Africa just as he has.
Uriah shared a testimony that was so powerful. His story of how someone stepped into his life and paid a debt so that he could be blessed. He used the events he had experienced to transform the love a person once showed to him, and spoke to us all about what Jesus did as he sacrificed and paid our debt on the cross. It wasn’t something we could do on our own, just as the actions of mercy and love shown to him by this friend were unreachable without his intervention. The church received the testimony with excitement, seeing such a young man standing and teaching so much truth in such a short time.
I was to follow Uriah. It was a emotional moment for me stepping up and trading places with my son. Taking the microphone for the last time in Kenya for this trip. I referenced only one verse as we were limited for time. I challenged the church on the topic of stewardship and ask them to consider Paul’s words as he said “For me to live is Christ”. If we can find ourselves in a place where that can be said of us, chances are we are stewarding well in a majority of our lives. We discussed some things that had happened throughout the week and I ended with a charge to them with two major request. One, Ezekiel needs help…He needs men to step up so he isn’t fulfilling every request himself. I hope they can help him in this area. Two was that when we return we need to set aside time for the Kenyans to share testimony of how the practice of the things we had taught were shared. Testimony of newly converted Christians, testimony from church members about how God used them to reach others. I said my final until next time farewell and retired back to my seat.
It felt like a good week, It felt productive, I tried to live this week for all it was worth.
In response several people got up from the church and gave wonderful testimony for the next few minutes. They were excited to share and I was excited to listen. Stories of transformed lives, stories of overcoming addiction, and salvations were all shared with us.
One of my favorites was a older couple who had received Christ last year on our mission trip to Olochani. The couple both shared how their lives had been transformed this past year as they have gotten to know Jesus in their newfound walk, and how grateful they were for the bibles we had been able to send last year as we left to come home. The very first person I ever met and prayed for in Kilgoris was there. She shared also with the church how her life had been transformed, she spoke about our very first time in Kilgoris, when pastor Eric was there and how we had cared enough to come to the place were she was rather than stay in the “church” building. And how since that very day her life had never been the same. She shared about her husband who was lost at the time and how we proved our faithfulness to pray for him and follow up for two more years and then Robert was finally able to share the gospel with him the day he was saved.
Many great stories were told…I love to hear the testimony of people who have been transformed by God. We might be tired but we have been able to leave Kilgoris completely having poured out all we had to offer, yet in our leaving we find ourselves overflowing with the love of these people and proof that we serve a mighty God, capable of all things.
We were done, and they kept with the traditions and gave us all beautiful gifts. Colorful shuka’s and handcrafted beaded jewelry turned us into honorary Maasai as we prepared to depart for the last time. Ezekiel’s final goodbye was one of heavy emotion as he fought back tears. We have formed a very intimate friendship and bond, it is difficult to say see you later knowing it’s a once a year trip.
Ezekiel is looking realistically at the maturing of our relationship. He spoke today to his church in final remarks, telling them what he and I have always kept in our minds and hearts… one day we need to move on from Kilgoris. As a thing matures, it reaches a point where it’s full grown, and steps into this great big world as God intended. Independent, but with God. He and I both believe the time is soon when we work together to find new places more in need of our time, as we work together to reach more and more soul’s for Christ. We have discussed it since day one, let us mature and go from this place to be true multiplying disciples. How exciting…
We drove away for the church. I’m glad I was in the front seat, because it was a sad moment. We made the dust swirl as we headed through town where only a few days before we were preaching in the streets. We made our way southwest and then almost due east as we headed to this paradise of a place on the rim of the Great Rift Valley. The porch of our room is at the actual edge of the escarpment and a heard of elephants could be seen grazing with the naked eye. Cape Buffalo and various other animals were like specs as we strained our eyes in amazement, taking in the stunning view that seems to go on forever. “I never thought I’d see so far.” To quote McMurtry’s words he penned for the character of Newt. That’s how I hear it in my mind as I look out over the valley. It is a great sight to behold. It goes all the way from the Serengeti of Tanzania to the southern end of the Red Sea. In a way I feel it ties us to the stories of the old testament. It’s still a long distance, but a man could walk for here to there if need be. It makes the world feel smaller.
Tomorrow we will drive to the bottom, we will see the animals that captivated so much of our imagination as a child and for a few moments we will all be in awe of the mighty hand that can imagine and create such magnificent things. For now I must find a way to sleep as once again the excitement of the morning teases my imagination.
Goodnight from the Great Rift Valley,
Todd Crabtree
Posted in Africa Updates