Return to Kenya

It was March 12, 2020 and we were in Nairobi, Kenya when we received a text from our daughter in Ohio stating that the USA was closing the borders to travelers from Europe. Our flight to Africa transferred through Amsterdam and we were wondering if the outbreak of the Coronavirus we were just beginning to hear about, would hinder our ability to get home. At this time we did not know what we did not know and we felt there was wisdom in returning so as not to be a burden on those we had come to encourage and visit. 

We found a direct flight the next morning that took us from Kenya to New York. Our co-workers, Jeff and Christine, returned with us and we made it back to our home. From then until now Covid has become very familiar, perhaps more than than we ever wanted it to become. Covid-19 began its' fury of infections and we all began to understand a pandemic was upon us that was likened only to plagues or pandemics of old. 

Many people's lives were greatly affected by this virus and all of us soon learned that it was a real and serious threat to our world. Our international travel to support missionaries and provide ministry to these choice servants of Christ  became possible only through the  computer and virtual visits by zoom, facetime, and messenger as we worked through the pandemic. We saw many new struggles and covid related difficulties as our global workers navigated lock downs that in many parts of the world far exceeded anything we experienced here. God has given us many opportunities to minister and deepen relationships through intentional zoom calls and virtual meetings around the world over these past two years. 

Tomorrow begins a new chapter as we will be returning to Kenya. We will re-join with our co-workers Jeff and Christine and board a plane in Ft. Wayne, IN  at about  11AM  for ministry in Kenya from Feb 7-23rd. Our Global Workers have been faithfully serving in the medical field at Tenwek Hospital,  as well as other ministry settings, and it has been challenging times in this pandemic. We are praying that we may be a blessings and encouragement to them as we return to this ministry. In preparation for this trip, we have gathered gifts and goodies to bless our missionaries and their children with, as well as  transporting some of their needed supplies. We are notifying our supporting churches, individual supporters and prayer partners as we embark on this journey. As we fly through Atlanta, Amsterdam, and on to Nairobi, we will arrive Tuesday Feb. 8 at 10PM. We will be traveling throughout Kenya ministering at most of the locations of  WGM Kenya. 

Above there is a picture that captures ALL of the documents and health clearance forms, generated QR codes, e-visas, passports, airline tickets. regulations, negative PCR tests, vaccinations, and more that this trip demands. Can you imagine families traveling in missions service today? They have to do all of this for every one of their kids, wear masks, and fly for hours. The stress and added burden on our Global Workers to travel is not found in just added cost, but also in added burden. It is harder than ever to travel and the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt. 

There is however, Good News! The Good News of Jesus continues to prevail and the love of Jesus continues to save lives physically and spiritually around the world. These are great times to be in ministry and behold the work of the Lord. We ask that as we travel to Kenya for this ministry, would you please pray for us? Would you ask Jesus to keep us healthy; help us to navigate jet lag; to be present in Jesus' easy yoke that He promises each one of us as we live in His Kingdom. Would you ask Jesus to give us ears to hear and hearts to understand as we minister? Would you pray that we will be salt and light as we travel these many miles in service to Jesus?

We are so thankful for you. As we return to Kenya, we know that we don't go alone. So many of you have faithfully prayed for us and have faithfully given to this ministry and we thank you! We are taking each of you with us in our hearts as we go forth to serve in Jesus strength. 

Here is a little prayer that has become very helpful and meaningful. It is short and simple. As you quiet your heart, take a deep breath and pray, "In Jesus Name"....and as you breath out, "Not my strain." May you be blessed, "In Jesus Name," Not my strain."

Thankyou for your on-going prayers and support for the work. Together our partnership in ministry allows us to reach around the world. We are so thankful for you! 

Love and prayers,

Ned and Marlene McGrady

World Gospel Mission 

www.wgm.org/mcgrady - for more info on partnering with this ministry.