‘Moments of Ministry’: Gardner-Webb Mission Team Brings Hope to Kisumu, Kenya

Students and Leaders Build Four Houses, Feed Hungry Children and Share the Love of Jesus

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—“The homes we built were simple—made of sticks and mud or tin—but they were filled with purpose, love, and the hope of Christ,” said Stacy Simmons, associate minister to Gardner-Webb University for Pastoral Care.

The plain dwellings Simmons describes were constructed in Kisumu, Kenya, through Houses of Hope, a ministry of North Carolina Baptists on Mission. This summer, a 10-member team from Gardner-Webb helped to build four homes in four days. Team member Alani Keiger, a nursing major, will always remember how friendly and welcoming the people were. “Even though there was a huge language barrier between our group and the Kenyans, we shared the same love for the Lord,” Keiger affirmed. “We shared common words such as ‘Amen’ and ‘hallelujah.’ It opened my eyes to see how grateful they were to have God’s love when they might not have anything else.” 

Led by Simmons and Nicole Beaver, instructor of nursing, the group also ministered in other ways. They attended a local church, where the GWU students taught the children, youth, and adult Sunday school classes. Tru Harrington, a biomedicine major, gave her testimony during the service. “It made my faith stronger to see how quickly the people we met would accept and believe in Christ after hearing about Him just once.”  

The team purchased food for a children’s program and saw how God blessed their efforts. Beaver said the children may only get one meal a day or every other day. “We were told that the cost would be the equivalent of $60 in U.S.,” she said. “I didn’t think it would be many children at that cost. When it was time to go buy the food, we were told that there would be 80 children. I was told that the $60 would still be enough, even though I was unsure. We got to the school and there were about 100 children. I thought there would be no way that we would have enough food for that many. However, we experienced the fishes and loaves story from Matthew 14. Each child got fed and there were leftovers. God is a provider and can take the little we have and make it more than enough.”

Each day began with the team spending time with the families and listening to their stories. “Those early conversations helped us connect on a deeper level and reminded us why we were there,” Simmons reflected. “Whether playing soccer with the children or standing in a home praying with a family, each moment felt meaningful. We saw God at work opening hearts to hear the message of the Gospel and gently planting seeds of faith in the lives of those we met.”

At midday, the team stopped working on the house and separated. One group went into the surrounding community to tell people about God and pray with them. The other group stayed at the construction site to play soccer with the children and share Gospel stories.

Hannah Dover, a senior biochemistry major, was especially thankful for these opportunities to make new friends. ”Just being kind and showing love to one another like Jesus did creates unbreakable bonds, especially when you are brothers and sisters in Christ,” she related. “I got to see directly how big and marvelous God truly is. He allows everyone to come together—different cultures, languages, and places—to serve and worship Him, and he heard it all. My problems seem to be much smaller than when I used to view them. I know God’s got me.” 

After ministering in the community, the group returned to have a meal prepared by the family receiving the home. They ate whatever was served, recognizing that it was a generous gift of hospitality and grace. Their joy and acts of kindness impressed biology major Isaiah LaNave. “Despite the extreme poverty and misfortune many of these people faced, the hope offered in Christ Jesus sustained them, and they knew it and weren’t ashamed of it,” he assessed. “It showed me what true faith looks like. They recognized that what they had was a gift from God and not a given right, something I take for granted too often.”  

Daniel Martin, a senior youth discipleship major, agreed. “Everyone was so appreciative and grateful for everything that we did for them, and they always wanted to make sure that we were taken care of while working on their houses,” he affirmed. “It didn’t matter to them that they had little to nothing, they just wanted to take care of us and make sure we were comfortable. I am always wanting something better than what I currently have, but they are always happy just to have something, and they don’t wish for more. This trip taught me to be content with what the Lord has provided me in life and not to be ungrateful for the blessings He has given to me.”

When the construction was complete, the team dedicated each home to the Lord. “This was more than a ceremony—it was a moment of worship,” Simmons noted. “We gathered to pray, present the Gospel, and invite those present to respond to the hope found only in Jesus Christ. Through these moments of ministry, 23 people came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We give all glory to God for every life transformed by His grace.”

Team members:

• Kaylee Maynor
• Alani Keiger
• Daniel Martin
• Hannah Dover
• Josie Holbert
• Tru Harrington
• Josh Young
• Isaiah La Nave

Co-Leaders:

• Stacy Simmons
• Nicole Beaver

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.