On Monday, July 14th, my team arrived in Mombasa and made our way to our facility that we were using for our first ever SLAM Service Camp in Kenya. We made it to Mombasa at about four in the morning and the camp began around noon.
This was a more brief service camp as it only took 2 1/2 days. But what happened in these few days was absolutely incredible. From times of worship, Bible study, sharing meals together, and our day of service projects, God truly moved in an amazing way.
From the very beginning of the camp, when I was playing some basketball with kids right before registration started, to the very end at our celebration time on Wednesday, I was mesmerized by the reality that these kids and young adults really care to know God in a deep and intentional way.
The way of the students articulated what they were thinking and going through in the light of their education in God’s word over these few days was absolutely incredible. Our theme verse for our SLAM camps this year has been 1 Peter 2:9 which reads, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty world of him who brought you out of darkness and into his marvelous light.”
These students learned this verse in such a deep way and it came out in the way they spoke, walked, and served. I was blessed by the kids, that’s a testimony in itself!
At the end of the camp, we had a time of celebration at a beach in Mombasa. When we arrived, I was blown away at how beautiful The beach was. After a time of worship, and a short encouragement from Mr. Garner, we had a Little over an hour of free time to swim and hang out.
I had so much joy in my heart to see everyone so excited to enjoy the water. And as I walked around and had some time of swimming myself, I made sure to ask the kids how they’re enjoying the beach. My heart was even more full when I heard many of them say , “this is my first time ever going to the beach!“ How amazing.
Then we had a time of testimonies at the end of our fun at the beach. The kids shared what impacted them from a microphone that was set up on sand and as we ate our breakfast together. I was so moved to hear the faith that came out of the kids. I was so grateful to hear how the Lord moved through the students.
Bwana Asifiwe!