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One Week to Find Joy

Looking For Joy?

Have you ever felt like you were on a hunt for joy? An 18-year-old boy was surprised to find it surrounded by people who had very little. He found it where you’d assume you’d find sadness. He went on a trip unsure of what he would experience but came back with a new perspective on life.
 
When he returned, he reflected and shared, “I’m willing to say I saw more joy in this one week in Kijabe, Kenya than what I’ve seen in America throughout my whole nearly 18 years of life.” 
 
What if I told you that you could find joy, a new perspective, hope and purpose by going on a trip for a week? Would you go?
 

The Trajectory of a Life Changed

High school senior, Nico, joined his classmates and teacher on a team to Kenya earlier this year. When he returned, the trajectory of his life changed. He came back with a different outlook on life simply by saying yes to going on a mission trip. 
 
He had spent 18 years of his life in America and only one week in Kenya, yet this trip had the power to alter his life and perspective. How is this possible? 
 

Moldy Cake

Nico shared his experience during his valedictorian speech amongst peers and their parents soon after he returned from Kenya. “The world tries to tell us to find purpose in happiness and the pursuit of it. However, that’s not God’s purpose for our lives, and we will never find fulfillment in doing it the world’s way.” 

Nico had witnessed the people in Kenya couldn’t find comfort in basic things like an abundance of food, easily accessible clean water, or a warm cozy home. He saw many people who lived in tiny one-room homes with dirt floors, no running water or electricity, and often had nothing but couches and blankets inside. 

“So often what we try to do is first find joy in the world and then put a little bit of God on top like icing on the cake. But let me tell you, the cake of the world hidden underneath is moldy and rotten all the way through. The people of Kijabe understood that we must first find our joy in the Lord and then He will provide for us.” 

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and He will give you everything you need.” 
-Matthew 6:33
 
Those in Kenya knew things he hadn’t yet discovered:
  • Their joy came from the Lord, not the world, simply because the world has very little to offer them in their current situation.
  • The things of this world that we have are blessings from God, not the rewards of our works or efforts. We can lose these things just as quickly as we gain them.

Don’t Rob Yourself of Joy

Where do you seek purpose and fulfillment? What is your number one priority in life? Where do you go to find joy and fulfillment? If it isn’t God, then I promise you, you’re only robbing yourself. 

Nico ended his speech by challenging his peers, “As we all go out into the world, I encourage each of you to build a Christ-centered life so that you may find peace that surpasses all understanding, hope that overflows, and unfailing joy that is independent of your circumstances. Happiness is fleeting, but joy is enduring. Choose joy. Seek joy. And find that joy in the God of joy.”
 
You too can find joy. God shows us that joy is where and how we often don’t expect it. Your life can be forever changed if you look for joy in the right places. Are you on a hunt for joy like Nico was?
Picture of melaniekruse@forwardedge.org
melaniekruse@forwardedge.org
Melanie has always had a heart for making a difference in the lives of others, especially those facing difficult circumstances. Deeply influenced by the love of Jesus, she longs for others to discover the same hope that has shaped her own life. She and her family sponsor three children and have been blessed with the opportunity to travel and spend meaningful time with them. Known for her love of organization and attention to detail, Melanie thrives in roles where she can use these strengths to serve others. At Forward Edge, she is grateful for the chance to combine her skills with her passion for ministry, saying, “I love that I can use my gifts to make an eternal difference in the lives of people around the world.”
child discipleship

Faith, Family, and the Drumbeat of Ramadan

What does it look like to follow Jesus in a culture where most of your community—and even your own family—follows a different faith? In Kosova, where Ramadan is a time of fasting and nightly celebration, young believers often feel the tension deeply.

This blog, written by our Kosova program directors Nora and Metush, shares the powerful story of Ymer—a boy learning to hold onto Jesus in the middle of cultural and spiritual pressure.

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culture

4 Ways to Minister Across Cultures

Jesus calls us to step outside of ourselves—our own ways of viewing and doing things—if we are to follow him, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself” Matthew 16:24. The same is true when ministering cross-culturally. Ministering to those in a culture different from your own is

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sellahomesaveachild

What is Sell a Home, Save a Child?

Have you come across Sell a Home, Save a Child and wondered what it is? Abbreviated SAHSAC, Sell a Home, Save a Child is a funding program for Forward Edge International. The premise is simple: sell homes and save children. Real Estate professionals can partner with Sell a Home, Save

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christian

A Strong Cord Built with Chavannes

This November, Forward Edge International celebrated 40 years of fruitful ministry at our annual Worth & Purpose Benefit for Children. As part of the celebration, Forward Edge’s Program Directors were invited to attend from around the world. As preparations and accommodations were being made, I learned that our Haitian Program

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Transform a Child's Life Through Sponsorship

Hola (hello), my name is Onesimo

  • location

    Mexico

  • 12 yrs. old

    07-05-2013

Entered the Program: February 2025

Onésimo lives with his parents, younger sister Livia, (also in the program), and great aunt in his great aunt’s home. The home is a two-bedroom adobe house with a tin roof and concrete and dirt floors. The kitchen is in a room apart from the house and the bathroom is outside. They cook with wood and get water from a hose on the property. Their home is right next door to the church. Onésimo and his sister started coming to Saturday Bible Club and then showed interest in attending church services; they haven’t missed a day since.

Onésimo’s parents are both from the community; they’ve been married for 19 years. His mother and father both work farming and his dad also builds wood stoves. The family struggles financially because they have two older daughters in high school that they need to support in boarding school during the week. They own a piece of property but cannot afford to build a house.

Sponsorship Level What's this?

Three $38 sponsorships are needed to cover the complete holistic care of one child. Cover one, two, or three sponsorships.