Gwanghui in Kenya Final Training & Commissioning

#GMF #UMC #Kenya #Missinary #Trip #Commissioning #New #friends #everywhere
For English speak friends:
I began the year 2024 with the GMF Final Training. Departing on January 3rd, I spent time in training at the Methodist Resort in Nairobi, Kenya, with 38 fellow cohorts. The training concluded with a commissioning Service, and I've returned.
What I anticipated most was not just the programs but meeting fellow cohorts whom I've only known online. The experience exceeded my expectations, bringing immense joy.
Despite the 11-hour flight and 6-hour layover, hearing the news on WhatsApp that we were approaching Kenya filled me with excitement. On the first day at the Methodist Resort, during our initial meal, engaging conversations made time fly by. It deepened my realization that English is not a universal language but an essential one in the international community.
Before the training, we explored a shopping mall and went swimming with Ji-beom, a missionary serving in Saint Lucia. From the opening worship service on the third day, navigating through fast-paced English was challenging, but focused listening brought many insights.
On the first Sunday, we visited MCK Church for worship and a special song session. While the three-hour service in Swahili was challenging, participating in praise with Kenyans was deeply moving.
Throughout the training, I heard the missionary story of Song Chung-seok, serving in Kenya. During the Spiritual Practice session, I was overwhelmed by the grace of God's love. The Sacred Moment sessions, where we shared our stories and prayed for each other, provided a precious time to discuss pain, wounds, and the amazing grace of God. Many friends highlighted this as the best time during the training's final moments.
We learned about leadership, decision-making, and financial matters during the program. Culture Night, where each country introduced its culture and shared snacks, was delightful. Although our time was short, preparing and performing the finale with Asian cohorts, led by Missionary Chanyoung Choi, in the style of "Gangnam Style" was memorable.
On the last Saturday, we served at Kibra School, meeting children and engaging in ministry. Hearing the children's praise, I found myself praying daily for their well-being.
On Sunday, we attended a Commissioning Service at Trinity Methodist Church, a bit away from Nairobi. As always, I worshiped with sincerity, responding to God's call. During the commissioning, the Kenyan supervisor sent me forth:
"Jeong, I commission you to take the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ into all the world, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
In the evening, during the last closing worship service and dinner, we bid farewell to friends we had spent two weeks with.
I made sure to send off each friend at the airport according to their departure times until I left for Cambodia. While saying our goodbyes during the journey, surprisingly, I felt a sense of 'comfort.' Having lived in Cambodia for five months now, Khmer feels more familiar than the languages I heard in Ethiopia and Thailand. I have also come to understand the characteristics of Cambodian people better.
The schedule in Kenya was truly filled with amazing moments-learning and experiencing a lot. From making friends with cohorts from around the world in this multinational program, we have now scattered back to everywhere.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude. I felt the safety to travel abroad without any incidents is thanks to your prayers. Despite my dark eyes and what seems like a hasty personality, I realized that following God's precise plan is the true essence of my life.
The recruitment period for 2024-2026 has ended, but if anyone later shows interest in this program and has even a slight calling for mission work, I strongly recommend it. After all, there is always a need for everyone in mission fields.
Thank you, Shè shè, Thank you, Asante sana, Dankie, Merci, Grazie, Arigato, Terima Kasih, Kòp kun mak, Terima Kasih banyak, Thaw je tinn ba de, Salamat, Gam sah hab ni da, 감사합니다.

[@kennywiliamspanjaitan]

So glad to watch this! God bless you always in your mission Bro.

[@gjeong5589]

umcmission.org/missionary-bio/jeong-gwanghui/
Shinhan Bank 100-023-997087 (재)미연합감리교회세계선교부유지재단 for Kwanghui Chung