FiveKennys: Kamp Tumaini 2018 -- Part One

Friday, August 17, 2018

Kamp Tumaini 2018 -- Part One

We are excited to be leading Kamp Tumaini once again with the Guardians of Hope ministry. This is the fourth year of CBM's summer camp ministry with orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. With our volunteer team arriving safely last night, today was the official start to this year's Kamp Tumaini.

Orientation at Karura Forrest, Nairobi

This year's team of camp counselors is composed of youth volunteers from across Canada, led by Tammy Klassen and Jason Rahardjo of SERVE, a ministry of the Canadian Baptist of Western Canada. The team will be with us over the next two weeks as we work together in two camps with the ACC&S and one with the children of CBM's urban ministry with Muslim refugees in Nairobi.

Today, Erica led orientation with the team in the beautiful setting of Karura Forrest, a haven for birds, monkeys, and other curious wildlife within Nairobi.

A quiet skink joining our company at the Rosslyn River Café

Erica leading the team through orientation

For most of the counselors, this is their first time to travel and serve in Africa. We spent much of today sharing about what it means to participate in God's story with people of a different culture and context. We are so impressed by the humble and Christ-like spirit of this team of young people who are eager to share the love of God in word and deed.

Please join us in praying for the team members as they get over jetlag, and find their way into the rhythms of life and ministry here in Kenya. We are thankful that everyone seems healthy and full of energy for the upcoming camps.

We will be working on camp program preparations tomorrow, and participating in worship with the ACC&S on Sunday. We are praying for the two students that will be bringing the message on Sunday, and for the entire team as they get to know our church partner and the Kenyan leaders who will also be a part of Kamp Tumaini.

Late this afternoon, we brought the group to the Masai Market, a Kenyan craft bazaar that is held every Friday on our side of the city. Fighting the fog of jetlag, everyone had fun keeping the currency conversion straight in their heads as they engaged in the fine art of bartering. It was a great start for the adventure ahead!