GCU Students Transform Lives on a 10-Day Mission in Kenya
Nine students from Grand Canyon University (GCU) recently returned from a 10-day mission trip to Kenya. Organised with Youth for Christ, the journey took them through Nairobi, Machakos, and Kibera, where they worked with local communities despite challenging conditions. The team, led by Mallory Lackey, faced difficulties from the start. Heavy rains turned roads into mud, trapping their van and forcing long walks. Yet, they pressed on, staying in rural areas and immersing themselves in local life.
Their work included assisting in classrooms, where they led skits, shared gospel messages, and helped with homework. Emily Saunders, an elementary education major, taught lessons with a translator to bridge language gaps. The group also visited orphanages, shelters for young mothers, and centres similar to Phoenix’s Hope Centers. Beyond teaching, the students engaged in gospel conversations with schoolchildren and teen mothers. They also experienced Kenyan culture firsthand, enjoying local dishes like chapati. Saunders even learned to prepare the flatbread herself. Lackey reflected on the trip, noting that God’s work often unfolds in unexpected ways. Despite obstacles, she described the experience as a testament to faithfulness in service.
The trip highlighted both the challenges and rewards of mission work. In a country where 80% identify as Christian, the students aimed to deepen personal connections to faith. Their efforts left a mark on local communities, from classrooms to shelters, while also broadening their own perspectives.
