The Roots We Plant: Reflections on a Journey to Kenya

Bob Gustafson
Jun 30
4 min read

Five years from now, a guava tree will bear its first sweet fruit in the red soil of Kenya. Its roots will run deep, watered by hope, faith, and friendship. It may seem like just a tree, but to me, it is a living symbol of something much bigger—what happens when we plant seeds of love and learning in the hearts of others.

From May 13 to May 25, I had the profound joy and honor of returning to Kenya for the 6th time on a service trip that will remain with me forever. Accompanied by my gracious colleague, Dr. Laura Hauerwas, a professor from Providence College, we walked into communities that welcomed us with open arms and hearts full of grace.

One of the most memorable days was Saturday, when we hosted a Children’s Jubilee at Upper Room Grace Ministries. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the space was alive with laughter, music, and vibrant joy as 386 children, 27 teenagers, and 20 Sunday school teachers from more than 15 churches came together in celebration.

We shared Bible stories centered around two beautiful themes: God loves you no matter what and Love your neighbor no matter who. As we made paper quilts, each square was a reflection of how uniquely special every child is. We played, “Find the Lost Little Lamb,” and the lessons came alive through play, song, and community. Watching the children sing about God’s love reminded me that the seeds we plant in young hearts matter more than we can imagine.

Upper Room Grace Ministries has poured deeply into its community, especially the children, and the evidence is all around. On Sunday, we joined Bishop Peter and Pastor Ann for worship and learned about their ongoing men’s and women’s fellowship gatherings, which provide weekly spaces of support, accountability, and growth. These meetings are watering the roots of connection and faith across generations.

On Monday, we visited schools in Lukosi and Kokwo, where we were honored with tree-planting ceremonies in our names. There is something indescribably moving about placing a young tree into the earth with your own hands—knowing that its branches will someday stretch toward the sky, perhaps offering shade to a child who is still learning to read or dream. I can't wait to return in the years ahead and taste the guava from those very trees.

After our school visits, we had the privilege of experiencing the incredible beauty of Mt. Elgon National Park, where buffalo, baboons, colobus monkeys, antelopes, and even elephants graced us with their presence. Creation in all its wonder reminded us of the vastness of what God has made and the small but meaningful role we each play within it.

The trip’s peak was undoubtedly the two-day teacher professional learning workshop held as part of the Inquiry Initiative. Fifty-four teachers, from preschool to secondary levels, came together to explore writing instruction and inclusive education, which are core components of Kenya’s new competency-based curriculum. For some, it was their fifth Inquiry Initiative session, and the enthusiasm was contagious! These teachers are committed to growing their practice, and their desire to reach every learner is a tree already bearing fruit.

This journey reminded me that we are all cultivators of something sacred. Sometimes our hands are in the soil, starting something new. At other times, we return years later to see how high the branches have grown. Whether it’s a lesson taught, a child encouraged, or a story shared, each act of service plants a seed.

And if we’re faithful, we get to watch it grow.

Blessings,

Shea Kerkhoff

Director of Education, Going Global Inc.

Myanmar Testimony

We’d like to introduce you to Glory, the little girl on the left and proudly holding her new guitar. We first met Glory in 2015 at Love Children’s Home in Myanmar. She and her younger sister, Lilipar, arrived at the home after their mother was sentenced to prison for providing housing to a drug dealer. Their father had abandoned the family and was living on the streets, addicted to drugs and alcohol.

But praise God, what the enemy meant for harm, He has turned for good in these girls’ lives. Glory recently graduated from high school and is now attending music school. She’s a talented singer and is learning to play the guitar.

Hundreds of children have experienced the truth of Jesus’ promise displayed on the campus:

“I will not leave you as orphans.”

– John 14:18

Andaman & Nicobar Islands Back-To-School

Each year, Raja and Sheeba provide uniforms, books, school supplies, and tuition for all the orphans at Love Children’s Home in the Andaman Islands. Many of us are familiar with the cost of back-to-school expenses for a few children, but it’s quite the challenge with 94 children. The expense for each child is $250. We would love to support the ministry in the Andaman Islands this July. We appreciate your partnership and prayer.

Food For Thought

“And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.” — Matthew 10:1

We, too, have been called by God, and the Holy Spirit can empower you. God is still healing the sick and setting people free.

Prayer Requests

You can be an essential part of our ministry by praying for us. Prayer is a powerful weapon, and we value your prayers. If you would like us to pray for you, please email your prayer requests to us. Here are some specifics to pray for:

We thank you in advance for praying for the following:

Pray for your pastor and family.
Pray for the turmoil that is unfolding around the world; many of our partners are being affected.
Pray for provision for the Andaman Islands back-to-school expenses.

Ministry Goal

“And their eyes were opened and they recognized Him.” - Luke 24:31

We founded Going Global Inc. in 2007 with this ministry goal. It remains our heart today. Thank you for praying and partnering with us. Together, we can achieve much!

Dennis & Robin Nonnemacher