USG Community Impact: Kenya Mission Trip Testimonial

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to connect, encourage, and equip Christians working throughout the college and professional sport industry. A large part of how USG seeks to accomplish this mission is by funding its members to attend international mission trips that help equip them to live missional lives through their careers in sports.

On June 4, USG traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of 16 members and 4 staff for a two-week trip. While in Kenya, USG served alongside local ministry partners in various ways and experienced the local culture and scenery. If you want to learn more about the trip to Kenya, you can read a detailed summary here.

Elizabeth Hornak is is a part of the USG community and has completed our Academy program, has attended an Impact Weekend, is involved in our Community Bible Studies, and has served as a Shepherd in the USG Academy. Most recently, "EB" served in Ticket Sales with the Charlotte Hornets. Below is a testimony from Elizabeth about her experience in Kenya and the impact it had on her.

"Walking closely with the Lord and knowing Him as my Shepherd and closest friend has been my greatest joy. Inviting Him into every part of your life and truly knowing Him is the greatest treasure we as believers get to experience and share with others. Going into 2026, my prayer was to continue growing in Christian community. It is so important to be surrounded by fellow believers, as iron sharpens iron. God was quick to answer that prayer in a way I never could have imagined by giving me the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Africa with nineteen incredible Christians within Uncommon Sports Group. Once again, He provided far more than I could have asked for.

The beautiful thing about the Christian community is that we see one another first as brothers and sisters in Christ, creating a unity that can't be found anywhere else. Through each person's unique gifts, personal testimonies, and experiences, God is seen and known at a different depth. I experienced that firsthand with this group. I could so clearly see the different spiritual gifts God had carefully chosen and given to each of my new friends, and I watched those gifts come to life each day as we served throughout Nairobi. It was such a blessing to witness how God is using each of them to make a Kingdom impact.

Each evening, members of our team shared their personal testimonies, and those moments became some of the greatest encouragements to my faith. Hearing how God had faithfully pursued, rescued, and provided for each person reminded me that He is the same faithful God who has always shown up in my life. The honesty, vulnerability, and childlike joy we shared brought us together as true brothers and sisters in Christ. Looking back, I am so grateful that God overflowed my cup in answering my prayer for deeper Christian friendships.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7: 7-8

During my time in Kenya, God placed several things on my heart. One of the biggest was growing in prayer for others and partnering more closely with God’s will. He gave me a greater desire to pour into others instead of getting caught up in my own circumstances. I want to be there for God the way He has always been, and always will be for me. “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21. I left Kenya with the desire to be a true servant of Christ. I don't want to leave anything on the table regarding the purpose with which God has called me. No more selfish ambition - this life is all about Jesus and has always been about Jesus. Our relationship with Him is what matters, and knowing that, living that, is worth more than anything this world has to offer.

Another truth God made so clear to me on this trip is His great love for His people. Our time at Huduma School and spending time with the students was incredibly special. The Holy Spirit was so evident there, and I was constantly overwhelmed by the love that filled the place. Being with those children and experiencing their joy was incredibly life-giving. As I spent time with them, I could feel in my heart how deeply God loves every one of them and how faithfully He will always care for them. It’s beautiful to be aware of the presence of God’s love. There is nothing in this world like it, and I’m grateful my heart was opened up to see it.

After returning from Kenya, I have been covered with a new sense of peace and a profound trust in the Lord. I no longer worry about the future. God calls us to live in the present, and since returning, I have effortlessly been able to do that. Every day is a gift, and God gave me eyes to see it. I am very grateful for the mission trip to Kenya and I will be forever blessed by it!" - "EB"

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Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this trip, both in Elizabeth's life and in the individuals we served in Kenya, has been such an encouragement! We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Lord in Kenya with this group of Christ-centered leaders of the sport industry.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a part of USG's growing community of Christian sport industry professionals, click here!