Big praise, Holy moments

Pastor Darren McWilliams shares a travel diary from Kenya, where joyful worship, hungry churches and unexpected reminders of God’s goodness shaped every day.

Pastor Darren McWilliams recently travelled to Kenya with Marty Davison, Lloyd Cheshire, Richard Cairns and Mark Stone, visiting churches and spending time with local leaders. Along the way he captured the trip in a daily diary, full of honest observations, humour, and moments that stopped him in his tracks, from powerful services in Kitale to commissioning a new building in Nyeri. What comes through most is the unmistakable joy of the Kenyan church and the way God used it to encourage, challenge and refresh the team.

Kitale Day One - Small plane but big praise

This morning started quietly at the hotel, with a simple breakfast — an omelette and a moment to breathe before everything kicked off. Then came the flight from Wilson Airport… honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how tiny that plane was. Quite the experience — equal parts fun and “what on earth is happening?”

Pastor Samuel picked us up for the conference from our hotel, and off we went. At least… eventually, as we broke down in middle of nowhere. I mean nowhere. The van that came for us after the original breakdown was a reminder that travel here has its own rhythm! At that moment, I realised I’d forgotten my baby wipes — not ideal when long drops are on the horizon. Rookie mistake. I’ll be repenting later.

When we arrived, the worship absolutely blew me away. The dancing, the joy, the volume, the songs — there’s no hesitation, no self-consciousness — just wholehearted praise. It stirred something deep in me. I could’ve stood there for hours soaking it in.

All in all, a full, rich, slightly chaotic, and beautiful first day of ministry in Kitale. Grateful to be here. Eager for what God will do next.

Kitale Day 2 - Keep on praising

The services today were off the Richter scale. Honestly, the teaching, the preaching, the atmosphere — it was powerful. Seeing souls saved, watching people being prayed for the filling of the Holy Spirit… just incredible. These are the moments that remind you why you do ministry in the first place.

Today we got a wee tour of the chicken coop that some of our churches helped sponsor. I still remember announcing in church about sponsoring chickens in Africa… and today I was standing right in the middle of it actually happening. That hit me.

After lunch, they told us we were about to have a “strong session of praise.” I did think could it get any stronger!! They weren’t lying. It was a belter. The singing was full throttle — “Yes Lord Yes Lord Yes Lord Amen” ringing out at the top of their lungs. Their worship is so passionate it pulls you in whether you’re tired or not. Even I was dancing. Miracles still happen. I am beginning to like dancing. Maybe it’s just a Kenya thing!

Today reminded me again how blessed we are — and how much they enjoy life with so little. Their joy is unfiltered. Their generosity is wholehearted. Their passion for Jesus is contagious. Being here teaches you quickly what actually matters in life: faith, church, community , worship, and simple gratitude. I’m humbled. And I’m grateful beyond words.

Day 3 - The dog collar debuts!

This morning saw a historic moment for me — I put on my minister’s collar for the first time, or as most people call it, the “dog collar.” Met up with the guys for breakfast. Omelette - standard! However, let's be real, the dog collar wasn’t the biggest issue — I was wearing beige chinos in this heat. A bold choice. Maybe too bold.

Mark said something this morning over breakfast that really stuck with me. He talked about the integrity of the pastors here, how genuine and trustworthy they are. You can feel it, and it makes you want to build relationships with them and care for them well. He was spot on.

I felt such liberty preaching this morning, and was blessed listening to Mark preach his heart out for communion. The congregation give the best feedback — you really feel their hunger for the Word.

Then came the song Goodness of God. I’ve sung it hundreds of times, but never like this. Hearing them declare God’s faithfulness with such passion… it moved me deeply. They have more reasons to moan than I ever have, yet they sing with gratitude: “All my life You have been faithful…” It hits differently here. It makes you think about what truly matters.

Another full day of ministry followed — preaching and then anointing everyone in the building with oil. Even with the five of us, it took around 30 minutes. A powerful, holy moment.

Then Bishop Samuel and the pastors prayed over us and anointed us with oil. We knelt before them as they prayed for more of God in our lives. Such a holy moment… but let’s just say the beige trousers didn’t survive. Absolutely covered in oil. My trousers look like I lost a fight with a chip pan. They’re officially retired for the rest of the trip.

We ended the conference with lunch and then met with their NLT. They thanked us for coming, and we told them it was genuinely our privilege to serve them. It really was. I will remember them for the rest of my life.

Day 4 - Nyeri

On the drive to the church in Nyeri we saw Mount Kenya — and unbelievably, there was snow on it. Snow. In Kenya. My brain genuinely needed a moment there.

The worship was lively and full of blessing as we settled in for a full day of ministry. Marty took the first session and taught on our roles in the church.

Then came a moment that absolutely melted our hearts: a little girl, maybe six or seven, stood up and quoted the entire Psalm 91 — flawlessly. Honestly, it was one of the most impressive things I’ve seen on this trip.

The choir followed with dancing and singing that filled the room with praise. Their enthusiasm is next-level, and you can’t help but be swept up in it.

After the service, we had the privilege of opening and commissioning their new church building. The way they celebrated… the way they praised God for that building… it was beautiful. My prayer is that God’s favour rests on it and on their ministry for years to come.

Tired? Yes.
Blessed? Beyond measure.
Grateful? Absolutely.