Nine young missionaries from Los Angeles recently practiced hands-on evangelism, some for the first time, in Nairobi, Africa. In the Kibera, Nairobi Central, and Ziwani Adventist churches, each young person preached one night in a series entitled, “He’s Alive.”

The Heritage Missions team, coordinated by Pastor Ron Pollard, Greater Los Angeles Region youth director, raised $1,000 for the Bamburi Orphanage, which was enough to pay for three beds, a variety of school supplies, salaries for three teachers and financial sponsorships for 10 students.

“The African people impacted my life greatly because they were so full of the Spirit of God,” said Shannice Baker. “The children never once complained or asked for anything. They only spread their joy and happiness.”

The team also visited Hope House in Nairobi, an orphanage for infants where the young people bonded with the babies.

In the beautiful countryside of Kissi, 84 HIV-positive students at Grandma Betty’s Orphanage waited until dark for the HM group. The kids were so excited to see their American visitors that all of them had written personal letters of welcome. Team members are developing a Pen Pal Connections website to enable team members and Heritage Missionaries from the past nine years to stay connected to the children there. The group raised $1,000 to help "Grandma Betty" care for and teach the orphans.

The HM team delivered donations to the Ziwani School for the Deaf, including a large amount of school supplies. HM also raised $1,300 for the Narok Masai School, which helped support teachers for eight months.

Team members said they met joyous, loving people From Kibera, the third largest slum in the world, to Tchuda. When the impoverished people saw the suitcases of clothing the team members brought for them, their excitement was visible. The team helped finish construction of a small home and provided food for children in the home.

“My Heritage Missions experience was one that was very surreal and humbling,” said team member Monica Duhart. “It’s an experience that cannot be put into words or pictures; you have to experience it yourself!”

For information about joining a future team or donating supplies, contact Ron Pollard at 818-482-9545.