This is a picture of the entire missionary corps of the LCMS in East Africa. Julie sent these pictures and wrote a note about the importance of the Mary Okeyo Scholarship trip to the mission efforts in the years ahead. Here is her letter –
In 2013 I had the pleasure of traveling to Kenya to visit Project 24 sites around
the country. This experience helped set up my passion for missions, it is one of
the reasons I decided to apply for a GEO position with the LCMS. For the past year
and a half I have been living in Kenya and helping out where I am most needed. I
have had the privilege to work with our missionary families and help care for their
children. This is a great help so their missionary parents are able to focus on
their work here. I have also been able to stay at one of the Project 24 sites,
Tumaini, which is just outside Kisumu. I was able to stay for two weeks in October
which was the end of the school year. While there I was able to not only teach but
also learn from the 40 girls staying there. I stayed in the same building as them
which meant I was able to maximize my time with them. I enjoyed singing,
worshiping, eating, playing, chatting, and laughing with these girls. I am hoping
that I will be able to go back and visit them again before my time in Kenya comes to
a close.
With the help of the Mary Okeyo Scholarship I was able to come to Kenya in 2013.
That trip gave me a different outlook on missions. I loved the trip and when I
found out that I was able to serve in Kenya longer term I was very excited! It has
been a great joy being able to watch the Project 24 sites grow and change with a new
director. I have also been out to the newest site that will be opening this next
year, Lenkishon. It is great seeing the progress of the site from the land
dedication in March to seeing the building during the November Mercy Medical Team.
Thank you to everyone who supports the Mary Okeyo Scholarship, Project 24 and
missionaries all over the world. Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.
Another infusion of monetary gifts would be helpful. Mary Okeyo gifts can be sent to the North Dakota District Office and marked Mary Okeyo. We will offer the scholarships to students from Minnesota North and North Dakota so you Minnesota folks can send your money there too. Project 24 gifts can be sent to the Minnesota North Office – PO Box 604, Brainerd, MN 56401-0604, or to the North Dakota District Office at PO Box 9029 Fargo, ND 58106-9029
