From the heart of Dunga, Kenya, where the church is much more than just a building, but a source of life, Sasha Syskova continues her full-time mission with Mission Assistance at New Life Dunga Church. At the youthful age of 21, Sasha has fully embraced a life of service – not only offering words, but also by taking action, caring for others, and providing practical aid.

At New Life Dunga, the church thrives on collaboration. There are pastors, administrators, secretaries, and security staff – all dedicated community members who are now able to serve and work within the church, supported through shared assistance. Sasha’s duties include managing the church finances, and she actively participates in medical first aid – a role that has, in recent weeks, become more crucial than ever before.

One of the church’s security team members, Joseph, was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident. “We are so grateful that he has recovered and is doing well,” Sasha states. However, this was not the only urgent situation that arose.

Collins, a church member who utilizes a wheelchair, suffered a serious infection resulting from untreated pressure ulcers. For several weeks, Sasha accompanied him to various hospitals. Eventually, he underwent surgery – and is currently in recovery, beginning physiotherapy. “Praise be to God,” she expresses. “We have witnessed His grace at every juncture.”

Another incident – as unusual as it sounds – involved a young boy being bitten by a hippopotamus. This wasn’t the initial occurrence of such an incident in the area. Thankfully, the boy is steadily healing.

These experiences, despite being challenging, have reinforced Sasha’s longstanding desire: to train the community in basic first aid. Throughout her work with children, preteens, and youth ministries, she had witnessed numerous children collapse in convulsions. On one occasion, even an adult began seizing, with foam appearing at the mouth. Many of the mothers in the community simply lacked the knowledge of what to do – not because of a lack of care, but because they had never been taught.

Additionally, sometimes cultural traditions – while well-intentioned – exacerbate the situation.

“Medical care isn’t always easily accessible,” Sasha elucidates. “If a visit to a clinic is unaffordable, even minor wounds can potentially evolve into life-threatening infections.”

Last Saturday, that aspiration finally became a reality. Medical professionals visited the church to conduct first aid training. Sasha was deeply moved by how engaged and enthusiastic the participants were – particularly foster parents and active church members. Further training sessions are already in the planning stages.

Meanwhile, the youth ministry continues to flourish. Recently, the group initiated an exploration of a new theme: the influence of social media. While it may seem a common subject – in this specific context, it sparked deep conversations. Numerous youths shared their personal stories, and during a group challenge, they brainstormed methods of utilizing social media to reflect Jesus. One group even developed a project entitled “Why I Follow Christ.”

Discipleship remains a key priority for the church. And Sasha’s heart is completely invested.

“I want to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports me,” Sasha says.
“Your trust, your prayers, your generosity—it is what makes it possible for me to live and serve here. May God bless your families and multiply what you’ve sown into this ministry.”

In a location where emergencies are a constant reality and resources are limited, hope isn’t solely conveyed through sermons, but through being prepared, demonstrating love, and actively participating. Sasha and her team are accomplishing precisely that.