Chrystal's Story

My trip to Tanzania. 

I’ve known for years I was supposed to go to Africa; however, I didn’t have a facilitator. Then I met Amberly Bell & Jennifer Crawford of Asking for the Nations.  The moment they said a trip was available, I knew immediately it was my time. I’ve been on many different mission trips to foreign countries.  This trip was life altering.  The country and its people are beautiful. 

We were given the opportunity to help build a wall around a new church for Pastor Mramba. We visited an orphanage, Treasures of Africa. The team built play ground equipment, and the entire team were able to play with the children. My daughter, son-in-law and my grandchildren were part of the team. Watching my grand children pick up the Swahili language and play with the children of Tanzania with out fear or apprehension. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they were shown the love of Jesus from complete strangers will be forever etched in my mind.  

We had a Women’s Conference in several communities. So many of the team were given the opportunity to minister. I know beyond all doubt that every message was exactly what every woman needed to hear to bring about change in their lives. 

The day Pastor Mramba’s Church was dedicated was the day I knew my heart was knit together with this people group, this country. Watching the congregation worship with abandon at a simple concrete building & plastic chairs reignited my call to missions. I watched as each team member slowly changed before me. Igniting their love of reaching the world with Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I returned home my prayers changed. Envisioning every woman, man & child as I prayed for God to meet their needs, spirit, soul & body.  

If you’ve never been in a Mission Trip outside of the USA, I implore you to consider joining  Asking for the Nations on their next trip. I promise you will come back changed. Your love of people and compassion for the world will burn in your heart. I look forward to the day I am reunited with these beautiful people. Picking up where we left off. Seeing a country reached for the Kingdom of God. Please friend, do not let fear or the lack of finances deter you. God is faithful to provide. Let’s go “change the world!”

Chrystal Kelly