“Hakuna Matata!”

In 1994 Timon and Pumbaa, the lovable duo meerkat and warthog in Disney’s hit animated film The Lion King, taught much of the world the Swahili phrase “Hakuna Matata.” Essentially, this Swahili phrase means “no worries” or “take it easy.”  The two friends find plenty of adventures as they trek carefree through the African savanna.  Eventually, they meet their unexpected friend Simba, the lion cub who has been banished from his pride.  To cheer him up and help him move on from his past, they teach Simba their life philosophy of no worries through the catchy song “Hakuna Matata.”  Still today, the phrase “Hakuna Matata” can be seen on signs, hats, and clothing all around Kenya.

The Lion King film was inspired by the dramatic landscapes of Kenya’s Rift Valley, just two hours north of Nairobi.  The country is a beautiful display of God’s creative work with mountains, plateaus, and even coastal plains along the Indian Ocean.  Over 56 million people live in Kenya. 

In 2025, new friends will begin gathering in Kenya as the Kentucky Baptist Convention initiates a new partnership with our International Mission Board personnel to help them accomplish the goal of African churches sending African missionaries to the ends of the earth.  To reach this aim, partnerships with churches from Kentucky in Kenya are vital in order to multiply the workforce.  There are a multitude of ways KBC churches can aid IMB personnel in this great endeavor, all leading to the planting of healthy, multiplying churches who send their own to the nations from Kenya. 

Does your church have gifting and experience in any of these ways: evangelism, discipleship, leadership development, church planting, medical care, orphan care, community development, theological training of church leaders, or counseling.  I could go on, but you get the idea.  Each of these ways and many more will help our IMB team and local churches in Kenya become healthy and multiplying.  The exciting news is KBC churches can be part of this great work.  As one worker on the field recently said, “Short-term teams can exponentially grow your reach that would normally take years.” 

Here are some key dates in 2025 to mark down now. 

• Thursday, May 8, 2025 at the KBC building will be Destination Kenya.  Come learn about our new partnership and meet IMB personnel serving in this country. 

• September 4-13, 2025 is our first Kenya vision trip to meet IMB personnel, local churches, and visit areas where your church can get involved.

More details about both events will be available early 2025, along with registration information.  Pray about how your church and association can join in KBC’s newest partnership in 2025.

So, how about it, Kentucky Baptists?  I know, as some might say, but it’s Africa! Hey, take it from Timon and Pumbaa: “Hakuna Matata!”  We have an opportunity to make a significant impact in partnership with our IMB personnel in this great country.  So, who is going to Kenya?