Ashley Carroll's Archive

It is the night before I leave for Africa and I have never felt so simultaneously prepared and unprepared in all my life. For the past 8 months I’ve been diligently studying and preparing myself for this summer. I’ve met with missionaries familiar with Kenya, taken the appropriate classes to prepare me for what to expect, and prayed that God would provide me with, well, a feeling of preparedness. However, no matter how much I do, no matter how early I pack (which might have been 3 weeks before our departure date), I cannot seem to feel prepared enough. I should have done more, should have started earlier, should have, should have, should have. Yet the most comforting feeling, right after preparedness of course, is assurance. Assurance that God has a plan for me this summer, that He will prosper me and will not harm me. He gives me hope and a future (copyright: Jeremiah 29:11). Acts 13:47 states, “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “’I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” My calling is to serve and the opportunity is in Kenya. No matter the conflict or discomfort at hand, I must “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). That is the Lord’s ultimate purpose for us here on earth and I have been blessed with the amazing opportunity to carry out that purpose. This cannot be done alone, however. I cannot do this without God’s help “and will give [my] attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Ultimately it is HIS will that must be fulfilled and this can only be done through continuous prayer and study while I’m abroad. It is a frightening, yet exhilarating, feeling entering a foreign country without full understanding of natives’ behaviors and cultural norms. I must “trust in the Lord with all [my] heart and lean not on [my] own understanding; in all [my] ways submit to Him, and He will make [my] paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). God has a plan not only for the Kenyan people, but for me as well. He has provided me with an amazing opportunity to go out into an unfamiliar country and introduce, teach, and live God’s word to the best of my ability. Although there will be times that the diverse culture and differing worldviews will diverge from my personal norms, I must trust that God has a plan for my being in Kenya this summer and that He will provide a sense of peace and courage that I would not possess without His help. As John 14:14 states, “you may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

For many years now, I have felt God working on my heart to do global missions. I have a passion for missions and serving others, and I plan on continuing to further the kingdom after graduation. I am so excited for the extensive opportunity to minister and serve the children of Rongo. Through this mission effort, I hope to create emotional stability, as well as spiritual growth within the orphaned children of Kenya. I am so excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to actually get to Kenya and meet all of the precious children!!