I had the life-changing opportunity to go on a three-week mission trip to Kenya and Tanzania during the end of May with a team from Olivet Nazarene University. We used soccer (football) as an evanglism/outreach tool.
I know that's over a month ago, but I'll never forget those amazing times, people I met, friendships that were strengthened and lessons that God continues to teach me from that trip.
During that trip, our whole team was encouraged to keep a journal of the main events, lessons, thoughts, or observations of each day. At some points it really seemed more appealing to just go to sleep than write. Overall, I'm so glad I kept constant in my entries and now it's such a blessing to look at those day-to-day activities, travels, funny stories of how my friend John Rachan had his daily "near-death" experiences, and ways that God worked in each of our lives.
During the last part of my flight from Nairobi to Chicago, we had a long lay-over in London. Besides taking the time to be entertained by people's awesome British accents, I spent some time making a list of some of the main things that I've learned, or rather...
... my "Life Lessons in Africa":
- Never think some task is too big to accomplish. We're not alone, and we will NOT be called to something bigger than ourselves and God. "The one who called you is faithful and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
- The world is a BIG place. But it's truly at our fingertips. Don't be complacent. Take opportunities to experience the great unknown. Don't be afraid to take the first step and follow where God leads -- even if it's around the world.
- In this big world, God's family is large, powerful and vibrant. Be a part of the glorious global church! I'm so glad I can be a part of a truly international, missional church through the Church of the Nazarene. I know there are other denominations and non-denominational agencies that have great programs, but the Nazarene church truly embraces our call to spread the Gospel to all nations. My grandparents, Rev. Norman and Carol Zurcher, spent 37 years in South Africa serving the Lord as Nazarene missionaries. What a heritage. God used some young farmers from Indiana back in 1959 when they left on their boat to Johannesburg, and I'm SO thankful He chooses to use another young Hoosier like me.
We spent a few days working in the slums of Nairobi, which are some of the biggest slums in the world with over 2 million people. Even in the midst of the chaos, true poverty, smell and a river of sewage sat the Embakasi Church of the Nazarene. This building truly embodies the meaning of a House of God. These people are so open to what God wants to do in their lives. True love, compassion and sacrifice.
Another church we worked at was the Woodley Church of the Nazarene and Nazarene School. This school sits right in the heart of the Kibera slums. But God is at work. It is through the global Church of the Nazarene that schools and churches like these are funded, built and given to the glory of God.
- The obvious lesson from my first "Third-World" experience: We are SO blessed. Be thankful. And give.
- Give your life away to something that truly matters. God can and will use a truly surrendered life. That's such a life-changing love. Don't miss it.
- Cultures are beautiful. Differences definitely can be intimidating, but educate yourself and jump in. There are so many great opportunities. I even picked up a little (kidogo!) of Swahili. The people in Tanzania that we ministered with were so glad, respectful and thankful when we took a little time to learn and show them we cared.
Remember how important family and friends truly are. Since I felt I was where God wanted me, I really never was "homesick," but I could NOT wait to share my experiences and stories when I got back home.
- Live life with the right mindset. Focus on the big picture of God's plan. Don't be afraid to simplify. It's not about me.
- God's plan is best.
-- Matt Gargiulo (shown right near the Great Rift Valley) will be a sophomore at Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, Illinois, U.S. where he is working toward a major in Elementary Education, and minors in Music and Intercultural Studies/Missions.