Seven Co-Pilot youth from around New Zealand traded the comforts of home for the isolation of a developing country on a recent mission trip to Kenya.
The team flew out to the Loita Hills on a MAF aircraft, where they stayed for most of their trip. They did everyday life with the local Maasai - helping to teach classes at the RedTribe Academy, partnering with Water Matters to deliver water filters to a further remote village, and more.
“Bringing the water filters to the remote Maasai Village was such an eye-opening experience. Seeing the way that these people live and how happy they are, but also how much of a privilege it was that we could help by bringing these water filters” says Charlie Stolte, one of the youths on the trip.
“It was really uplifting for us seeing the work that Red Tribe does out there and knowing that we could be a big help to them. It was a big highlight of the whole trip, and we were very encouraged seeing how happy they are.”
Seeing the immediate impact of MAF delivering life-changing water filters was inspiring, but meeting someone whose life was saved by MAF was unforgettable. This was a highlight for most of the team, including Jack Barnes.
“At the village, we met a boy named Samuel, and his father casually explained to us that he had been sick, he thanked God and MAF for Samuels healing. When we returned to Nairobi, we found out that he had been battling throat cancer for the last two years. A few days before our visit, Samuel’s cancer specialist confirmed that he is cancer free! This would not have been possible without the availability of MAF flights.”
“Seeing Samuel and then realising afterwards that he was saved by MAF was such a blessing. You could definitely see God’s hand at work,” said Charlie.
Another special experience was witnessing how joyful the Maasai were with the little that they had.
“It was very special to play with and build relationships with the children at the RedTribe Academy. We went back to the school a few times, and there was just so much laughter, joy and gratitude. Seeing those children has had kind of an impact on how I see my own schooling as well – it’s helped me to have the perspective of making the most of my education and seeing it as an opportunity rather than it just being hard” explained Maddy Bennett, another youth on the trip.
The team also got to visit a couple of local churches. Experiencing the congregations joy and gratitude was another highlight for Maddy.
“After the church service, I was able to stand up and say a few words in the local language (Maa), which was quite basic. Seeing their surprised response was really cool – they couldn’t believe that I had tried to learn their language and were able to understand me. There was just so much joy in that place. Even the church building itself with walls covered in colourful fabric and tinsel – it was a real place of celebration” said Maddy.
Back in Nairobi, they visited Joy Divine – a kitchen and foodbank near the second biggest slum in Nairobi. The youth helped in the kitchen and did a skit for the children, which was enjoyable not only for the kids, but for the team as well.
“Seeing how everyone at Joy Divine interacted with each other and how they operated was great. It was a shock to meet people who came in and said, “I’m 19 and have 2-3 children”, which meant that they probably had kids at around my age. It was really nice to see the children’s faces when we did the skit and how happy that they were” said another youth on the trip, Saskia Slothouber.
God worked in extraordinary ways in every one of the youth’s lives. Being out of the normalcy of everyday life and put into an unknown culture was a new experience for most of the participants, and for Saskia, it brought her closer to God.
“When I was in Kenya, I felt the Lord’s presence a lot. I could feel that the people there loved Him and wanted to help serve Him, which I’m grateful to have been around. Even the group who I went with, being with them made me feel closer to the Lord.”
Being face to face with the very little these people have shifted perspectives for some, like Maddy.
“I think God really revealed to me on this trip the awareness of what I do have. Even going back to Adam and Eve, when Satan said that they didn’t have enough. It’s always a distraction to your true calling or to being grateful for what you do have. Kenya kind of brought back my focus to trusting in Him to provide for me.”
For these young people, this experience further ignited their hearts for God and for mission. Seeing the real need of people living in isolation and being a part of bringing help and the love of Jesus to them is something they’ll never forget.
We want to say a massive thank you to those who financially contributed to make this trip possible. Because of you, these youth were able to have a once in a lifetime experience that has changed their lives forever. Thank you for investing into the next generation.
STORY / DANIELLE WELSH
This story was orginally published in "Flying for Life - Spring 2025." To view the full magazine, click here.