A TALE OF TWO KEIRAS
This summer, two young ladies traveled with Children of Promise to two different places; Thailand and Guatemala. Both of them had profoundly impactful experiences, and both are named Keira.
Keira Krenz joined the Thailand trip in June with her parents and several others from her church in Ohio. As a young woman who has a deep love and passion for missions, she was excited to visit a part of the world that was new to her. It was an eye-opening experience for her to see how God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary work.
Keira was especially touched by the way the Thai Children of Promise leaders, Dow and Lin served. Keira wrote, “The way these two women served so humbly and relationally with the local Thai churches and people there was so inspiring, and reminded me that the kingdom work of Children of Promise continues on even when I’m not there. I had never been on a Children of Promise trip before, and I have since fallen in love with the way Children of Promise does ministry.”
While interviewing sponsored children at one of the Thai churches, there was one particular moment when the Holy Spirit moved in a powerful way. As the Krenz family sat with Natlinee, the last student to be interviewed that day, Keira’s parents had the opportunity to hear about the significant challenges that she’s already faced in her twelve years of life.
When they realized that Natlinee didn’t currently have a sponsor, the Spirit prompted them to immediately respond. With Dow helping translate, they told Natlinee through tears that they were going start sponsoring her right away. By the end of the conversation, everyone was crying happy tears. That moment of responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to care for another child of God became a highlight of the week for all of them.
Keira reflected that being able to see first hand how “the relationship structure of Children of Promise meets needs through indigenous leadership and connects to us as ordinary people was incredibly impactful.” Keira says she can’t wait to go on another Children of Promise trip and find more ways to be part of the ministry.
In July, Keira Shelton from Indiana was part of a group that served in Guatemala. The Guatemala team spanned the US, from Florida to Washington state. Keira originally planned to join the Brazil travel team in 2025, but delays receiving her passport meant she had to cancel last minute. What felt like a disappointment in the moment became a blessing in Guatemala.
One of the people who left the biggest impression on Keira’s heart was ten-year-old, Luz, who she met during one of the church visits. With only seven children to interview that day, the group had plenty of time that afternoon to play memory, laugh, and learn about each other through broken Spanish, patience, and Google Translate.
Before they left, the children gave each of the team members bracelets. Keira recalls, “Luz placed one in my hands with so much kindness. We sat together on the church floor and talked the best we could. Even though our conversations were simple, the connection we shared was so meaningful.”
“What stood out to me most was her joy. Luz’s heartfelt smile was so genuine and contagious. We showed each other love that goes beyond language. The smallest moments of kindness, being present, and making someone feel seen can really have the biggest impact!”
Keira says she’ll carry the joy that Luz shared with her and the lessons God taught her for a long time. God taught her that:
Love has no language barrier.
Faith grows through obedience.
Community makes ministry stronger.
What lessons might God have in store for you through a Children of Promise trip? We’d love for you to consider making an unforgettable Children of Promise trip part of your 2027 plans! Find out more and reserve your spot today at www.childrenofpromise.global/trips.
THE GOD TO WHOM WE PRAY IS FAITHFUL!
Living on the shores of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo offers some benefits to those living there; access to fresh fish and water. When violent storms crop up, however, it can also mean devastation.
Sponsored children living on the shores of Lake Kivu are primarily living in homes made of dirt floors, mud bricks, and thatched roofs. You can imagine what heavy rains and violent winds can do to a home like that.
In late May, we learned that the homes of five sponsored children had been completely destroyed. Sponsors gave generously and we tapped into the Emergency fund to be able to respond immediately. Standing in front of their rebuilt homes, families responded with a song of thanks including the lyrics, “The God to whom we pray is the God who answers prayer. He is a faithful God!”
Amen!
Until all are made whole,
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