A New Take on Hope: Reflections on My First Trip to Kenya with MHI
Daniel Hinssen, Board Member, MHI · March 2026
First Impressions
For years I’ve been supporting Messianic Hope International from a distance: managing media, updating the website, reviewing photos and videos as they filtered through from Kenya. I’d become somewhat familiar with the programs, the projects, and some names here and there, but it was a totally different experience being there, seeing the team that makes it happen and the actual impact they’re making.
One of the first things I noticed after landing in Nairobi looking out the van window as we explored the city, was the stark difference in infrastructure and poverty compared to what I’m used to seeing in the U.S. Alongside almost every road, people sold goods, sat in conversation, or watched groups of sheep, goats or cattle. Vendors stood by their booths nearly all day, trying to earn a living. Schoolchildren in uniforms walked in packs along the roadside; groups of workers congregated in the shade of trees for animated discussion; young mothers with swaddled babies carried groceries. When it rains, traffic comes to a standstill as roads fill with water and windshields light up with the brake lights of bikes and cars navigating hidden ditches and potholes. Houses and neighborhoods are walled and often manned by a gatekeeper overseeing security.
A Week in the Life of the MHI Kenya Team
During our time in Kenya, the U.S. team focused mainly on observing and supporting the weekly routine and ministry of the MHI Kenya team: including school visits and outreach to local orphanages. On a weekly basis, MHI team members and volunteers make the drive from Nairobi, heading north, to spend a few days near Hope Children’s Home and conduct school ministry programs. During those visits, MHI leads times of music and dance along with meaningful mentorship and connection with students and teachers. During the orphanage visits, the team builds relationships with the kids and encourages the staff.
The Songs That Stayed With Me
In preparation for our visit, the Kenya team introduced the children to a few songs we’d sing together at each location. The first, “You Are Holy,” declares “as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.” The second, a Swahili song called “Ombi Langu,” means “One Desire”; a heartfelt, yearning melody with these words (translated):
“One desire / Lord Almighty / On my own I cannot stand / Your holy presence Lord / Be with me.”
Each song left a powerful impression. Singing them with the kids (eventually learning the Swahili song), brought a profound emotional realization: these children, facing difficult and tragic circumstances, sang with their whole hearts and declared these words over their lives. I’ve heard “You Are Holy” many times, but it hits differently when more than 20 orphaned children belt it out at the top of their lungs — “as for me and my house / we will serve Yahweh / lifting holy hands in worship / we will not bow down to the gods of men / we will worship the God of Israel.”
Another favorite memory was the times of music and dance with large groups of children at the schools. It was so much fun to see their excitement, especially during “Everything Is Blessed” - a high-energy song with fun motions: “my hands are blessed / my legs are blessed / my head is blessed / everything is blessed.”
A Sunday at Hope Children’s Home
Over two weeks, we visited three schools and three orphanages. One of my favorite days was a Sunday spent with the children at Hope Children’s Home & Rescue Center in Gilgil, the orphanage MHI started. The day was packed: group games, crafts, team introductions, a property tour, a shared meal, and a time of discussion at the end, with the guys and gals meeting separately. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was incredibly impressed by the sense of family and community. U.S. team members who had visited Kenya in previous years shared how meaningful it was to see the children’s growth; physically, with improved nutrition, and spiritually, as they shared songs of praise, dance and memorized scripture.
The Kenya Team
Throughout the entire experience, I was continually impressed by the caliber of the Kenya team. Seeing the impact and connections they make on a weekly basis, and the sacrifice of time that requires, was both humbling and inspiring.
Coming Home
It’s now been a few weeks since the trip. As I’ve reflected on these memories; through photos, videos and conversations with others — I think what I appreciate most is the opportunity to see, and be a small part of, what MHI is doing.
The name Messianic Hope International now carries a deeper, richer meaning for me, and I’m grateful to play even a small role in it.
MESSIANIC: As members of His Kingdom, we are called to spread the good news of the coming King.
HOPE: We are to be ready at any time to share what gives us hope; hope is powerful and can change lives.
INTERNATIONAL: We are called to impact more than just our neighbors: “even unto the ends of the earth.”
If this resonates with you, I’d encourage you to learn more about what MHI is doing, and consider joining us through financial support, prayer, or simply spreading the word.