2026 SLF Mission Team Pictured Above: Lane Owens, Mark Cole and Pastor Joey Sutton
2026 Mission Trip Prayer Calendar
(Scroll Down For Trip Updates Below the Calendar)
2026 Mission Trip Updates By Joey Sutton
Monday, March 2, 2026
Received at 7:50 a.m. Local / 4:50 p.m. Kenya
After a 6 hour drive from Kenyenya to Kitale yesterday, I just wasn’t up to the task of sending an update. My apologies. All in all it was a smooth trip, until we reached Eldoret and had about an hour and a half left and then it turned into (as the locals say) a Kenyan massage. The road was pretty rough.
Sunday at Pastor Christiano’s church went really well. I’m proud of Lane for stepping up and teaching the morning Bible Study. It wasn’t comfortable for him, but he handled the scriptures with precision and for his first time teaching with an interpreter did a good job. After the worship service, I preached the morning sermon, it sure was nice to be able to say several times “As the Brother Lane said during the Bible Study.” After the sermon we had a time of prayer for anyone that needed it. It was a similar situation as Thursday – praying over people up front as the worship team played, loudly. It was good though, because people came forward in faith trusting that their concerns aren’t too big to too small for the Lord, who hears and answers our prayers.
After the worship service, we called the new training center students to the front to present them with their first set of books. I read Psalm 119:9-16 and encouraged the students to not only grow in the knowledge of the Lord, but in love for Him as well. We prayed over them and then presented their materials.
We told Christiano that we needed to leave by 1:00pm so that we could make it Kitale before dark, and he did a great job of making sure we were able to leave. It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, everyone truly appreciated our visit and of course wanted to wish us well and take pictures! All the people of Glorious Grace Church send their greetings to you and their appreciation for your sending us to them.
In Kitale, we met up with another US team from Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. They were led by Jeff Moser who we met on our first trip in 2022. Jeff Moser, who also partners with Mike Curry, founded The East Africa Project that helps establish vocational training programs – welding, carpentry, sewing, automotive, electrical, plumbing etc. They have seen the Lord so some amazing things. He was instrumental in setting up the welding shop at Christiano’s church, and so our work overlaps – we’re focused on Bible training and he’s focused on vocational training.
This morning, we woke up and traveled to the Mt. Elgon training center, just north of Kitale, almost to Uganda. It was truly impressive. Not only do they have the Bible training component but a comprehensive vocational training program and it has provided a significant economic uplift to the community. Pastor Richard has a very broad vision for the future and has trusted the Lord every step of the way. After leaving, we traveled back to the hotel where we stayed in Kitale to drop Pastor Christiano at his car. Along the way we discussed the future, and he reiterated his desire to just focus on training pastors – “That is my calling and that’s what I know.” I think that’s the right path forward.
I am typing this from the airport in Eldoret as we are waiting for our flight to Nairobi. We land at 6:50pm and then leave for home at 11:30pm, arriving back in Dallas tomorrow at 2:00pm…Lord willing!
As wonderful as this trip has been, we are all ready to be home. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and checked in on us and followed these updates. We truly believe that this trip would not have gone as well as it did without you.
For today and tomorrow and the future, please pray for:
- Our travel home - smooth and no interruptions.
- Wisdom regarding the training center in Kenyenya – how best to proceed and that the Lord would provide.
- The new student class, that they would give themselves first to the Lord and then to their training, that as they grow in knowledge, they would also grow in faith.
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Received at 1:40 p.m. Local / 10:40 p.m. Kenya
I think we all got the best sleep we’ve had since we’ve been here. Praise the Lord! We didn’t have the same hectic schedule as we’ve had before, but it wound up being a long day anyway.
We started the day at the training center meeting with the new student class, and we also had guest appearances from some previous students who came in for graduation. As I think I’ve said every time we’ve come, it was incredibly humbling and encouraging to hear the testimonies of these students who have left everything behind to come and be trained in the word of God so they can go back and impact their communities for Christ. There are two students from northern Kenya – Shadrach of the Turkana tribe, and Abram of the Pokot tribe. Their tribes are enemies, but in Christ these two men are brothers. Just their presence together was a powerful picture of how the Gospel breaks down every barrier. We also heard from Boniface who graduated in 2024 and is back in Lodwar (northern Kenya) pastoring a church, which started with 1 person and has grown to 50. His younger brother Lamech graduated on Friday and will return with him to join in the work. The Lord, as He always does, has been arranging each of His pieces on the board very strategically in some of the hardest and most dangerous places for ministry on the planet, and we are starting to see an impact.
We continued hearing testimony and were supposed to break for lunch at 1:00, but we kept going until a little after 2:00pm. Since lunch still wasn’t quite ready, we went and looked at some land that Christiano has an opportunity to buy. It was a nice piece of land not very far out of town, but buying land in Kenya is never easy. The building we use for the training center is not in good shape and as we discussed with Christiano last night, we want to be very thoughtful about how to move forward in a way that’s sustainable. As Mike Curry has said “Raising building money is easy money, it’s the increased cost of operating the building that’s the challenge.”
After spending some time there, we went and looked at the house Christiano and his family are slowly building and hope to move into this year; we prayed a blessing over his house and family.
We made it back to the church for lunch at 4:00pm and sat around the table with the training center leaders as well as Christiano’s church leaders. We discussed their responsibilities and leadership in the church. The Kenyan church is regulated by the government, to the point that they must report the names and id numbers of the people who attend. They have some leadership structure requirements that we just don’t have, so it was difficult to provide good advice.
After the late lunch we went back to the training center to shoot a testimonial video with Brian, where each of us just shared our thoughts about the training center and a word of encouragement to our church and other churches based on what we have seen and heard.
We finished a little after 6:00 and drove to the hotel in a thunderstorm, as it was getting dark, and the windows were fogging up. Francis, our driver, really demonstrated his skill on the way back to the hotel, we are truly thankful for him! We made it back, had a cup of African tea, and came back to our rooms to pack up, get ready for church tomorrow, and then make the 6 hour drive north to Kitale.
Oh, there was also that whole pesky US strike on Iran, disrupting flights in the Middle East thing this morning! We knew that this was a possibility but hoped we’d be back before anything happened. Since we were supposed to route back through Qatar, we knew our flight home could be impacted. Lane, an Expedia Master, found a few options for flights that took us away from the Middle East instead of right into the middle of it. So, we were able to book a flight with Air France through Paris. The good news is, we should be able to get home with no trouble, but the slightly less good news is that Monday will be a bear of a travel day! Seriously though, how good is God, that even with spotty reception in rural Kenya we were able book a new flight with no issue while they were still available.
For tomorrow please pray for –
- Lane as he is teaching Sunday School and for me as I will be preaching. Pray that our language/cultural differences will not be a barrier to the truth of scripture.
- Boniface and his brother Lamech as they minister in Lodwar.
- The Lord to continue to provide for the training center.
- Our travel to Kitale. It will be a long uncomfortable drive.
- Our travel home on Monday – we don’t have a lot of margin for delays in order to make our flight out.
Friday, February 27, 2026
Received at 10:35 p.m. Local / 7:35 a.m. Kenya
“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.” James 4:17
The people who read the last few updates must be some Elijah level prayer warriors because even though there was a high chance of rain going into Friday, it didn’t rain a drop until 30 minutes AFTER we finished graduation! Additionally, the Lord provided ample cloud coverage and the occasional breeze to protect our fair skin!
While we started the Jesus March around the city an hour late (due to waiting on the police escort), we still only finished the graduation ceremony an hour later, so technically we used the scheduled time. The March was fun, the band was playing, whistles were blowing, people lining up along the street to watch, and everyone everywhere taking pictures and videos. To be perfectly honest, 40 minutes of whistles blowing can really strain the nerves, and on top of that, we wound up walking next to a lady who was blowing what sounded like a foghorn, and she was faithful to blow the horn continuously for the whole March. I kept waiting for walls to fall down around us! But it was a joy-filled celebration, which quickly curbs any irritation.
The graduation ceremony ran very smoothly, and apart from a few minor glitches the sound system worked well. We heard testimony from alumni and current training center students and reports from other ministries that use the same curriculum as the training center. Mark and I were invited to join in the praise dancing, I’m sure it looked awkward and uncoordinated (it certainly felt that way for me), but the people enjoyed seeing us participate with smiles on our faces. I was able to preach, which essentially consisted of a Gospel presentation from 1 Timothy 1:15
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinner, of whom I am the foremost.
Mark and Lane and I presented certificates to the graduates, and then after some picture taking, we lined up the graduates for the charge and prayer. I gave the charge to the graduates, and then Mark and Lane, along with pastors in attendance, laid hands on them for prayer. I and four others prayed over the graduates. As we were praying, a loud commotion started not very far away from where we were. A crowd of people screaming, followed by several pops, more screaming and then more pops. I wasn’t sure what was going on and didn’t know if those were gunshots or something else. The person who was praying continued without flinching, and I opened my eyes to see that no one in our crowd seemed too concerned, so I didn’t worry about it.
Lane was able to get a good look at the whole situation. Long story short - The pops were in fact gunshots, a mob of people looking to carry out some vigilante justice formed up not far from us, and the police were firing their guns to break up the crowd.
We came back to the church for a late lunch, and then back to the hotel for dinner with Christiano and his family. We discussed the current health and future of the training center and how we can continue to build on the foundation that has been laid. The problem (and it’s a good problem) is the demand for training is FAR out pacing the supply of trainers. So, we will have to think and pray carefully about the best way to meet the needs without compromising or diminishing the work that we’ve committed to.
For tomorrow please pray for –
- Our meeting with the students and then later with Christiano and the teachers as we discuss the training center and how to move forward.
- Lane and I, as we prepare to teach and preach on Sunday.
- Capacity to meet the growing training needs in this area of Kenya
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Received at 10:15 a.m. Local / 7:15 p.m. Kenya
This morning, we woke up slightly less sleep deprived, (praise the Lord) and He sustained us all the way to the end of the day! His power is truly made perfect in our weakness.
Today was day two of the Pastors’ Training Conference. Christiano reported that we had a total of 100 attendees throughout the day yesterday, he showed us the sign in sheet for confirmation. The morning session today looked like there were more than yesterday; they had to bring in extra chairs.
We worked our way through Titus 2:11-15 and then Titus 3:1-8 in the morning, back-to-back sessions where the details of our salvation are so clearly laid out. The text truly does the heavy lifting if you’ll just be faithful to it. Also, Collins has been translating for me consistently and I think by the 2nd session of the morning we finally hit a rhythm.
After the second session, the rain came. It wasn’t just a light morning shower (which we already had), it was a thunderstorm, such that the rain was blowing into the church. During the rain we had a time of prayer, where people who needed prayer could come to the front and Mark and Lane and I, each paired with one of the training center teachers, prayed over them. With the rain it was already loud, but the worship team was also playing. We were essentially shouting prayers as we huddled with people. It was a challenge to hear, but the prayer concerns were genuine and the people were appreciative, and most of all God is not distracted by storms and music.
After some time, the stage flooded. The team had to scramble to move the sound equipment, but it clearly wasn’t their first time. They were really efficient. We broke for lunch, and we went with Pastor Christiano and a couple of other pastors to meet with the Deputy County Commissioner, who is the highest-ranking government official in the area. The purpose of the visit was to extend goodwill and foster a good relationship with the local government so the ministry work can continue unimpeded. We took a gift of a Bible, a Knowing the Bible 12 Week Study of John (that I brought for the training center) and one of my Pilot G2 Gel Pens (.7mm of course). It had already been reported that there were whites in Kenyenya and rather than keeping it a secret, Christiano thought it best to just introduce us. The Deputy was genuinely appreciative of our visit and stressed the value he saw in the work the Church is doing. I was able to express our appreciation for the hospitality and welcome we’ve always received from the people of Kenyenya. I prayed for him, and for the area and then we left.
We finished the day with the last session in Titus and then observed the Lord’s together. It was truly a great day. We’re back at the hotel, and look forward to some rest…because tomorrow is Graduation Day!
For tomorrow please pray for –
- The graduation ceremony. Specifically, the weather. It will be held outdoors and the chance of rain in the morning is high. When we drove by the stadium today (which is a grass field) there were several areas of standing water.
- All of those traveling in to participate
- The new graduates as they go out, some of them to plant churches and some to serve in their home churches.
- Our team and the parts we will play in the ceremony, whether praying, preaching or handing a certificate, that it would done for God’s glory and not our own. Because we’re from the US and because we’re white it’s easy to stand out and become a distraction.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Received at 12:20 p.m. Local / 9:20 p.m. Kenya
Wednesday morning found all of us dragging a bit. None of us has really had much sleep since we left home and by the end of the day today we were three guys sitting around a table at dinner staring off into the distance! However, our fatigue is a testimony to God's sustaining grace! We are truly running on the fumes He provides.
We left the hotel at 7:30am to head to Christiano's church in Kenyenya, about a 35 minute drive, for day one of the Pastor's Training Conference. As we pulled up, we were instantly greeted by old and new friends. Many of these young men we met in 2024 when they were starting the training program, and now we are here to see them graduate. There was a real sense of excitement that instantly overcame any fatigue or drag we were still experiencing and even more there was a true sense of Christian fellowship.
We were officially welcomed by Pastor Christiano, his family, the students and the teachers at the training center, and as is tradition, sat down in his office together to enjoy African tea and mandazi. As I mentioned yesterday, there was a pretty robust schedule that Pastor Christiano put together for the weeks' events, they really do want to make the most of our visit by squeezing every second out of our time together. It's well intended, but daunting, and if history is a teacher, rarely goes off as planned. However, today we made it through all three teaching sessions and had praise and worship, lunch and time for Q&A, without staying too much later than intended! The lunch was excellent, chapti bread of course, along with beans, rice, cabbage, and fresh fruit.
We tried something different this year for the teaching sessions - handouts with questions from the text that we'd be studying to make it easier for the students and pastors to follow along. It seemed to help, as those in attendance took copious notes, and were able to share what they learned when called on. One thing is clear in this part of the world, people in the Church are hungry for the word and take advantage of every opportunity when it's being taught. Since I was teaching through Titus, I expected some questions about the role of women in the church and women pastors, but I did not expect the number of questions about how many wives "husband of one wife" means in Titus 1:6. I thought giving the simple answer of "1" would be sufficient, but multiple iterations of that question followed us even into the Q&A breakout sessions we had at the end of the day. I do want to take a moment to brag on Lane and Mark. They led a breakout Q&A for non-pastors in attendance, and while they definitely had the super nuanced marriage scenario questions, they had other questions that they were able to answer and address. Third world church Q&A is like a box of chocolates.... but they spoke the truth of scripture to the audience.
It was good hear to comments after the training, like we heard last time, that people were challenged to go and study the Bible for themselves and not lean on tradition or the teachings of others. We hope it creates opportunities for more pastors and church leaders to be trained. We said our goodbyes for the day and made it back to the hotel for dinner. I think we each had an interesting take on some culinary classics, but the food was good, or at least we think it was, we were pretty zoned out.
Also, here's a random note - a political opposition rally was going on in Kenyenya during the training conference today. Francis, our driver, gave us a head's up and recommended we stay out of sight, which we did, and everything was fine.
For tomorrow please pray for:
- Sleep! We all really need it. We're trusting that the Lord would grant it in His perfect timing, but trust that He is able to sustain us if He doesn't.
- Day 2 of the Pastor Training Conference. That the teaching would serve to whet the appetite for the word for those in attendance.
- For the graduation ceremony on Friday - it's going to be outdoors and there's rain everything morning. According to Pastor Christiano, a little rain isn't going to stop our Jesus March around the city!
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Received at 11:00 a.m. Local / 8:00 p.m. Kenya
After 39 hours of mostly uninterrupted travel, and just a few hours of sleep, we arrived safely at the hotel where we’ll be staying. We are all pretty tired and I suspect the jet lag gorilla will climb on our backs soon. Please show grace over any typos!
One kindness of the Lord (among many that He’s shown us so far) - the staff at the hotel were waiting to greet us, welcome us in and even served us chilled mango juice! What a stark contrast to the 2024 trip, where we arrived to a ghost town and no one knowing who we were (in spite of a confirmation email!!). I honestly had a sinking feeling as we drove up the mountain that history would repeat itself. It really is the little things, and a good reminder that apart from the Lord even our best, most intricate plans are futile.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Anytime you embark on a trip like this reliable transportation and reliable lodging are key, and we are certainly blessed with both. Francis, our driver for the week, is friendly and eager to make sure we have a good experience. We are confident in his ability to get us where we need to go.
Tonight we will rest because the work starts in earnest tomorrow. We’ll leave around 7:30am for Pastor Christiano’s church for day 1 of the Pastor’s Training Conference, he’s expecting about 80 area pastors and church leaders to attend. He has me scheduled to teach 3 sessions on the book of Titus, and then do a Q&A at the end of the day. We’ll also have worship and prayer…a bold schedule for sure, but whether we make it through it all or not, it will be a blessing and encouragement for all involved, especially us.
Each day I include a couple specific items that you can pray for:
1) Pray for rest for Mark, Lane and I. That we would maintain a Christlike attitude in the face of changing plans, roadblocks or interruptions.
2) Pray for Francis as he drives back and forth to Kenyenya from our hotel (about 40 mins), that he would be alert, and there would be no trouble with the van.
3) Pray for day 1 of the training conference, that the teaching would be clear, the word of God would be magnified and area pastors would be equipped and encouraged.
Monday, February 23, 2026
Received at 2:50 p.m. Local / 11:50 p.m. (Kenya)
We’ve landed safely in Nairobi. It will take a little over an hour to get through customs and baggage. Fortunately, the hotel is 2 minutes from the airport so we can get some sleep before our flight to Kisumu tomorrow.
Monday - February 23, 2026
Received 7:40a.m. Local / 4:40p.m. Kenya
We landed safely in Doha, slightly ahead of schedule!
I think each of us got a few hours of intermittent sleep. We’ve got an hour and a half layover and then a 5 hour flight to Nairobi.
