My first time in Kwale, Kenya was in August 2018.
Martin visited my youth group in Germany and told us about the start of the project and vision of T.M.T (The Main Thing). A soccer-camp for boys and the opportunity to bring the good news to the people. It ended with an invitation to join and make our own experience.

I have to say, I really wanted to see it by myself – first I wasn’t sure, if a boys camp would be the right place for me. So I asked Martin and he just said- “Come”. So I went there actually with no expectations and a good portion of curiosity.

I was surprised – in a positive way.
Somewhere in the bush, we arrived in a village and entered a compound with grass, little trees, some chickens, three little houses, two containers, two dogs, plenty of jerrycans, two toilet “houses”, a fire place and people with a friendly smile.

For me it was easy to adapt the lifestyle (daily duties, cooking on a fire etc.) and I loved to see the boys, joining the camp and enjoying playing soccer, being together with their friends, being kids, eating a lot of Ugali and also listening why this is possible.

I loved to see people leading the kids, preparing meals for them (even some extra wishes), looking for their needs, motivating them in games and sports and telling them with passion, why this is all possible.

This is possible because “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” – and this message and love has to be shared with everybody.

And that was my experience in TMT – here God’s love is shared in every game, prayer time, training, bible discussion, kitchen work, and not just the campers but also the village community can see and hear it.

And God is working!

Every time I came back, the grass and the trees grew, more dogs, more chicken, more jerrycans, a big tent, a basketball- and volleyball field were there, more people, who welcomed me with a warm smile. And a youth camp for boys and girls started, people from the village joint to support in practical work, more campers arrived, former campers, who wanted to support the team and also share their stories with God. I went there with no expectations, but came home with new friendships, a better understanding of what God is able to do and discipleship and a long prayer list of people, who listened to the good news, and a hope that every word they listened to, will have an impact on their life