Rev. Jennifer Wright's Testimony in Gambela - Summer 2026

I was asked by a teammate to describe our mission's trip this year in two words my response was mission accomplished!

There were things I had purposed in my heart to see, God brought it to pass over, and beyond anything I could have thought or imagined. What a gift to be there to witness the graduation and honor’s day of the students. It was so exciting to see how the whole family three generations would come up with the graduate and pick him/her up and carry them off in celebration. The joy and excitement continued as the day ended with many being baptized in fact, by the end of the week, we had baptized 50 and two, baby dedications.

It was also such a joy to see the children have such a good time with the colorful games we brought and to know that it was an answer to the prayers of the teachers which makes it even more of a joy. As I met with the teachers they expressed they needed a balance of learning and play. I just smiled from ear to ear knowing God had already answered their prayers. They had enough balls for a soccer game for every age group for boys and girls. They had three legged races, horseshoe games, jump ropes for over 150 at a time. Parachutes, ring toss, potato sack races, spoon and egg races, relay races, kick ball and even American football. Foursquare and two square even Simon says. There was so much to choose from they did not know what to choose next. The joy, the laughter, the screams, the cheers, the enthusiasm, and the excitement could be seen on each face and heard from miles away. I believe the teachers had more fun than the children there was something for everyone and all different abilities. What a blessing!

The children at the A.R.M. school, those at the church, and in the community had so much fun. There were gifts from the U.S. for everyone as well from the youngest to the oldest. Toothbrushes for all - toothpaste and floss. Bibles, Bracelets, necklaces, Candy, neck, ties, bookmarks, note pads and ink pens. It was indeed an incredible blessing to give to those who have nothing and are so thankful.

These beautiful princesses were at the graduation (see below). This was a priceless moment when the language barrier didn’t matter. The youngest was crying and although she couldn’t understand my words they brought her comfort long enough to pose for the camera. Take a moment and be blessed and take a look at the many images from my camera roll and be blessed like we were.

Blessings,

Rev. Jennifer Wright