2025 Huruma HOPE Ministry Team Blog
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Day 7 - The First Day of Vacation Bible School
The Huruma Team officially kicked off Vacation Bible School — and what a day it was! The morning began with a burst of energy as the students (and team!) jumped right into an intense round of African Zumba. A talented older student from a neighboring school came to lead everyone in dance and music, and the joy was contagious!
After all that excitement, the team acted out fun Bible stories for the students — bringing Scripture to life with laughter, creativity, and plenty of smiles. The morning wrapped up with the famous Banana Cheer, led by Kylie, which had the whole school singing, dancing, and laughing together!
Then came craft time! The team quickly realized the students are incredibly talented with crafts — their creativity and attention to detail blew everyone away! That inspired the team to come up with even more fun activities and games for the days ahead.
Here’s a peek at what everyone was up to:
Greg and Mike teamed up with the 6th-grade boys to paint and decorate brand-new cornhole boards.
Shelley taught the 6th-grade girls how to sew the cornhole bags and created Tambourines with PP1 and PP2.
Suzan worked with the 4th and 5th graders to create bandana bracelets.
Kylie helped grades 1–3 decorate tambourines and PP1-PP2 make adorable sticker animals.
Throughout the day, the whole team rotated between classes to read stories, play games like Telephone, Go Fish, and Simon Says, and share in the joy of learning and creation.
By the end of the day, the team was tired but full of joy! It was a day packed with laughter, dancing, and creativity — and a deeper appreciation for the incredible teachers at Huruma Hope School who pour so much love, patience, and faith into their students every day.
God’s presence was woven through every song, every smile, and every small moment. Even through crafts and games, His love shone brightly.
Day 6 - Preparing Hearts and Hands for VBS
Day 6 was all about preparation — getting ready for the amazing week of ministry ahead! Since Sundays are a Sabbath day for the Huruma Hope School students and teachers, the team took the morning to worship at Ridgeways Baptist Church. It was a powerful service filled with joyful worship, passionate preaching, and the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit.
After the service, the team was invited to join the church’s welcome breakfast for newcomers — a wonderful time of fellowship and connection with believers from all over the world.
To top off the morning, the team enjoyed lunch at Java House, Kenya’s beloved local coffee and café chain. It was the first time they’d eaten out since arriving in Nairobi, and a fun highlight — especially for Mike and Suzan, who tried boba tea for the very first time (and both loved it)!
The afternoon was devoted to focused VBS prep time — gathering supplies, organizing crafts, and rehearsing Bible skits. The team brainstormed games, fine-tuned activity plans, and prayed over the upcoming week, asking God to open hearts and fill every moment with His joy and truth.
The excitement is building — Vacation Bible School kicks off soon, and the team is ready for God to move in mighty ways!
Here's a little CLIP from the teams home visits.
Day 5 - Hearts Full & Eyes Open
Day 5 was one of those days that gently shifts your perspective. It’s easy to grumble about the little things — a grocery run after work, a stain on your shirt, a restless night, or wishing you had someone else’s talents. But today, the Huruma team was reminded of just how richly blessed we are in ways we often overlook.
The team spent the day visiting the homes of Huruma Hope School families — an experience overflowing with humility, gratitude, and love. They were warmly welcomed into each home, met new family members, and had the privilege of praying with and for them.
One especially touching moment came when a great-grandmother offered a heartfelt prayer. She asked that God would grant her a long life so she could continue caring for her great-grandchildren. Then, her great-grandson prayed that he would live long enough and receive a good education so he could one day support his great-grandmother and family. The team’s hearts were deeply moved by the beauty and selflessness of their words — a powerful reminder of faith, love, and generational hope.
There was also joy in reunion — Suzan, Shelley, and Mike were thrilled to reconnect with a few past Huruma graduates. Watching those embraces and smiles was a special moment that spoke volumes about the lasting impact of this ministry.
In the afternoon, the team explored Karura Forest, where many of the students’ parents work. Surrounded by God’s creation, it was a peaceful time to reflect on all they had seen and lift up the families they met in prayer.
Today was eye-opening. It reminded the team how much we truly have — and how powerful it is to be welcomed into someone’s home with open arms and genuine hearts.
Please keep praying for the Huruma families: for jobs, for health, for provision, and for God’s love to soak into every part of their lives.
Day 4 - Bonding, Laughter, and God at the table!
Day 4 was all about connection! Since Friday was a holiday in Kenya, the students had the day off — and the Huruma team took that perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with the incredible Huruma Hope School teachers.
Over a delicious lunch, the team got to hear each teacher’s story — their testimonies, their calling, and the unique ways God has guided their paths into teaching. It was powerful, inspiring, and full of laughter!
We were joined by the full teaching crew: Anne (Director), Samson (Head Teacher), Tomas (6th grade), Peter (5th grade), Zipporah (4th grade), Mary (3rd grade), Ruth (2nd grade), Lucy (1st grade), Lencer (PP2), and Rachael (PP1).
As much as the team loves spending time with the students, this intimate time with the teachers was such a gift — a chance to build deeper bonds and strengthen the unity that makes this school so special. When God is invited to the table, amazing things happen!
After lunch, everyone joined in for some lighthearted fun — an icebreaker that sparked laughter and heartfelt conversations, followed by a lively game on the grass that mixed a little Red Light, Green Light and Simon Says!
What a joyful reminder that fellowship doesn’t always have to be fancy — sometimes it’s shared stories, laughter, and a few silly games that make the biggest impact.
Watch THIS video of a game the teachers and team are playing!
Day 3 - Was an Absolute BLAST!
The Huruma team took the graduating 6th grade class on an unforgettable adventure to Two Rivers Amusement Park — joined by Director Anne and teachers Lucy, Ruth, and Thomas. From the ferris wheel to the log ride (and plenty of laughs in between), everyone had an incredible time — and praise God, not a single student got sick!
If there’s one word that sums up this team, it’s flexibility. The plan was to head straight back to the school afterward, but when the driver ran about an hour late, the team rolled with it and turned it into something special. When they finally made it back, they gathered the whole school together for a surprise showing of Moana 2 — a special request from the students!
Sometimes our plans take a detour, but God’s timing is always right. When we rely on our own plans, things can fall apart — but when we lean into His, everything falls into place.
Please keep praying for the Huruma team — Suzan, Shelly, Kylie, Greg, and Mike — as they continue adjusting to the 10-hour time difference. Sleep has been a challenge, but God is faithfully providing the energy they need to pour out His love each day.
Day 2 - First Day at the School!
The Huruma team had an incredible first day at the Huruma Hope School! They were welcomed with the most heartwarming celebration — singing, dancing, and smiles from every student and teacher.
Anne, the amazing school director, helped Suzan, Greg, Shelly, Kylie, and Mike dress up for the school’s cultural day — and let’s just say, they looked the part! The team then worked together to capture fresh photos of all the students and staff — so much joy in every shot!
As if the singing and dancing weren’t enough, the celebration continued with a big October birthday party — including our very own Greg Holifield! There was more music, more laughter, and the biggest cake you’ve ever seen!
The day wrapped up with the team sorting through all the donated supplies that will soon be shared with the school — a beautiful reminder of how God provides through generous hearts.
Through every student’s smile, we see God’s love shining brightly. It’s truly special to witness a staff so devoted to giving their best and teaching through the love of Christ.
Stay tuned — the journey has only just begun!
The Huruma Team Has Landed in Kenya!
Day 1 ....... well, 12:30 a.m.
Amsterdam Airport
Kenya from the sky
Nairobi Airport
Thankful for the ride to Heart Lodge
Click HERE to view the video from the team!
What the school looked like when the first team went to Huruma Village back in 2005!
THE STORY
OF HURUMA HOPE
Since 2005 small teams have traveled yearly to serve the little HOPE Huruma School in the Mji wa Huruma slum. As each group arrived in Huruma they have been struck by the level of impoverishment the community suffers, especially the children who are constantly at risk due to lack of basic needs.
We began in 2006 with providing funds for the children to receive a balanced lunch each day knowing this would be the only nutritionally complete meal many of them would have that day. We also paid the salary for an Administrator, 5 teachers and 2 cooks. As we raised extra funds, we would provide classroom and student supplies along with a complete uniform for each child at the beginning of the year. We started to realize that some of the children needed help with ongoing health needs and found donors to help those children.
After a team of seven returned home in September 2014, they began the process of bringing HOPE International, Inc. to its current status as a 501(c)(3) entity. The commitment of Huruma HOPE is to increase aid and educational opportunities to children and break the generational cycle of sickness and poverty that has plagued this community for many years. It is our hope that others will follow in our decision to support this ministry and help children in Africa rise above their circumstances through education and faith in Jesus Christ.
If you are interested in supporting one of these beautiful children, please contact
Suzan Bellis at 541-971-8061
The cost is just $40 a month
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