“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
One of the greatest blessings of the Body of Christ is that it knows no borders. Last month in June, we had the joy of welcoming a mission team from Brandywine Church in Delaware, USA, who traveled thousands of miles to serve alongside Camp Brethren Ministries (CBM) in Eburru. What began as a seven-day mission trip quickly became a beautiful testimony of friendship, service, discipleship, and God’s love shared across cultures.
The team consisted of 12 members -10 college students and 2 adult leaders, including Pastor Nate Keeler, Lead Pastor of Brandywine Church. Throughout the week, they immersed themselves in the daily life and ministry of CBM, not simply as visitors, but as brothers and sisters in Christ serving together with one common purpose: sharing the love of Jesus.
Their ministry touched nearly every area of Camp Brethren Ministries.
The team partnered with the CBM Clinic, assisting with patient testing while also providing training and encouragement to the medical staff. They worshipped alongside believers at CBM Kasarani Church, participated in the church’s feeding program, visited families in their homes for fellowship and prayer, and took part in a special home dedication, celebrating God’s provision with one of the families in the community with a new Home built through the Paradigm Homes Foundation, a partner of David’s Hope International.
Learn more about Paradigm Homes Here
They also spent meaningful time with students at both the elementary and high schools, playing games, encouraging them, and building friendships that crossed cultures and continents. Another memorable moment was participating in the dedication of a 60,000 Litre water storage tank, a project that was funded by Brandy Wine vValley Church, that will continue to bless Camp Brethren High School for years to come.
One particularly special highlight of the week was the team’s visit to Kabarak University, where they spent time with the Rachel’s Hope Scholarship (RHS) students. Together they shared stories, encouraged one another in faith, and enjoyed fellowship over a pizza lunch. For the scholars, it was an opportunity to build relationships with fellow believers who took a genuine interest in their lives, studies, and future dreams.
The Brandywine Valley Church team also arrived with generous gifts that will continue making an impact long after their departure. Their contributions to the CBM Kasarani Church Feeding Program and the supplies they brought for various ministries are already helping meet practical needs while demonstrating Christ’s compassion to the people of Eburru.
Yet, as impactful as these gifts were, perhaps the greatest gift was simply their presence.
Throughout the week, genuine relationships were formed, prayers were shared, and lives were touched on both sides of the partnership. As often happens during mission trips, those who came to serve found themselves equally transformed by the people they met.
Reflecting on the experience, Pastor Nate Keeler shared:
“CBM gives such a unique experience of ministry, and it really helped our college students grow. We loved the relationships we built, the meaningful opportunities to serve, and seeing how God is at work throughout Camp Brethren Ministries. Overall, this was an incredible experience, and we hope to send another team back soon.”
One of the college students described a moment that captured the heart of the entire mission:
“After I shared with a young girl how much Jesus loves her and told her that I loved her too, she began to cry and kept telling me she loved me. I truly believe she experienced God’s love in that moment. It reminded me that sometimes the greatest ministry is simply showing up, loving people, and saying ‘yes’ to where God is calling you.”
Those words beautifully reflect what this partnership is all about.
Mission trips are not simply about completing projects or accomplishing tasks, they are about building relationships, encouraging one another in Christ, and experiencing God’s Kingdom at work across nations and cultures. During just seven days, the Brandywine team witnessed firsthand the vibrant ministry taking place in Eburru, while the people of Camp Brethren Ministries were encouraged by fellow believers who came ready to serve with open hearts and willing hands.
As we reflect on this visit, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We thank God for every member of the Brandywine Church team, for their willingness to answer His call, and for the love they poured into the lives of the people they met.
May God continue using these partnerships to transform lives, both for those who come to serve and for those who call Eburru home.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We also pray that God will continue opening doors for many more mission teams like this to visit Camp Brethren Ministries in the years ahead. Each visit strengthens partnerships, deepens faith, encourages our students and communities, and reminds us that the Church is one family united in Christ.
📖 Read the full story—along with more inspiring updates from the past month—in our June newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/1d88b7a67705/spreading-kindness-12753842
Are you interested in joining one of our teams?
Contact scott.sweat1@gmail.com to learn about upcoming trips and teams you may have special interest in joining.