The Murilas to KENYA

The Murilas to KENYA MISSIONARIES TO KENYA, AFRICA

06/17/2026

We had a great weekend presenting our ministry at two churches in Oklahoma! We were near beautiful Lake Eufala, and we enjoyed meeting fellow believers and sharing what God is doing in Kenya!

We are excited to head out tomorrow to present our ministry at a few new churches in Oklahoma, and then travel to Kansas...
06/12/2026

We are excited to head out tomorrow to present our ministry at a few new churches in Oklahoma, and then travel to Kansas to updated one of our supporting churches. Please pray for safe travels!

Heart Behind the Ministry — Episode 5Why are we building toward a Bible institute?One of our greatest goals isn’t just p...
06/10/2026

Heart Behind the Ministry — Episode 5

Why are we building toward a Bible institute?

One of our greatest goals isn’t just planting churches—it’s training leaders.

Over the years, we have traveled to remote villages and tribal areas throughout Kenya to share the gospel, encourage believers, and help establish churches. These bush trips are often difficult, involving long hours on rough roads, unexpected delays, and more vehicle problems than we would like to count.

While these trips remain an important part of our ministry, we have become increasingly convinced that one of the most effective ways to expand the work is by equipping local pastors and church leaders.

A pastor who already knows the language, understands the culture, and has relationships within his own community is uniquely positioned to reach people with the gospel. When trained and grounded in God’s Word, these men can return to their villages prepared to evangelize, disciple believers, and plant churches among their own people.

This is why the Bible institute is such an important part of our long-term vision.

The main building we are currently raising funds to construct at the camp will serve as the home of this future training ministry. Our desire is to use it not only for camps and conferences, but also as a place where pastors and church leaders can receive biblical training and practical preparation for ministry.

Rather than limiting the work to what one missionary family can accomplish, we want to see leaders equipped and sent out across Kenya to reach communities we may never be able to reach ourselves.

The goal is not simply to reach Kenya—it is to equip Kenyans to reach Kenya.

Before returning to Kenya, there is an important part of furlough that often happens away from the pulpit, presentation ...
06/08/2026

Before returning to Kenya, there is an important part of furlough that often happens away from the pulpit, presentation table, and miles of travel—rest.

Over the last few weeks, we have enjoyed a much-needed pause from our travel schedule and have been grateful for the opportunity to spend valuable time with Kelly’s family in Texas. These days have been especially sweet for our family as we’ve had the chance to catch up with loved ones, share meals and conversations, and watch Brooklyn build relationships with family members she doesn’t get to see often.

While furlough includes reporting to churches, raising support, and traveling from place to place, it also provides an opportunity to recharge spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Ministry is a joy, but it is also demanding, and seasons of rest help prepare us for the work God has called us to do.

We are thankful for these moments together and for the encouragement that comes from family, friends, and supporting churches. As we look ahead to returning to Kenya, we are asking the Lord to use this season to strengthen and prepare us for the next chapter of ministry.

The Heart Behind the Ministry — Episode 4Why do we put so much emphasis on church planting?One of the convictions that h...
06/04/2026

The Heart Behind the Ministry — Episode 4

Why do we put so much emphasis on church planting?

One of the convictions that has shaped our ministry from the beginning is the importance of the local church. While there are many valuable ways to serve in missions, our calling has been centered on helping establish and strengthen Biblical churches that can continue reaching their communities for generations to come.

When we study the New Testament, we repeatedly see the gospel advancing through local churches. People heard the gospel, trusted Christ, were discipled, and gathered together into churches that became centers for worship, fellowship, teaching, and further gospel outreach.

Evangelism is essential, but new believers need a church family where they can grow, be taught God’s Word, serve others, and reach their own communities with the gospel. Lasting discipleship happens within the context of a healthy local church.

This is one reason we are passionate about reaching groups such as the Maasai and Samburu. Our desire is not simply to hold meetings or conduct short-term outreach efforts, but to see Biblical churches planted where believers can worship, grow, and raise up future generations of Christian leaders.

We also believe churches should become strong, self-governing, and self-sustaining rather than dependent upon missionaries. Our role is to help establish and strengthen churches, not create dependence upon ourselves.

At the end of the day, our goal is not attendance numbers or successful events.

Our goal is established churches where the gospel will continue to be preached for generations to come.

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2

06/02/2026

One of the blessings of furlough is the opportunity to visit churches and share how God is working in Kenya. Along the way, we are often asked what missionary support is used for and why it matters.

A portion of our monthly support helps provide for our family’s personal needs so that we can continue serving full-time in ministry. The remainder goes directly toward the work God has called us to do through church planting, youth ministry, evangelism, discipleship, and YoungLion Christian Camp.

Over the past few years, God has allowed us to make significant progress on the camp property. So far, we have been able to build five A-frame cabins, an outdoor kitchen, a maintenance facility, and a camp store. We are also nearly halfway to our goal for the main building that will serve campers for years to come.

Support also helps provide scholarships for young people who otherwise would not be able to attend camp. Many of our campers come from difficult circumstances, and these scholarships allow them to hear the Gospel, receive Biblical teaching, and build relationships that encourage them in their walk with Christ. Funds also help cover food, supplies, and ministry resources needed to run camp effectively.

Missionary support is partnership. Every church and individual who prays, gives, and stands with us has a part in what God is doing in Kenya.

We are grateful for each person who has joined us in this work. Your prayer and support is helping us reach young people, strengthen churches, and point lives to Christ.

05/28/2026

The Heart Behind the Ministry — Episode 3

“Why camp ministry?”

Because camp is one of the most effective environments for intentional discipleship.

Many young people in Kenya grow up surrounded by distractions, difficult home situations, and peer pressure. Camp gives them the opportunity to step away from those influences for a time and focus completely on the things of God.

For one week, they are immersed in preaching, devotions, Scripture memory, godly friendships, Christian leadership, and personal conversations centered around the gospel.

Some young people hear a clear presentation of the gospel for the very first time at camp. Others begin asking serious spiritual questions, surrender areas of their lives to the Lord, or grow in ways that continue long after camp ends. Kelly and I have both made important, life-long decisions based on the influence of Christian camps in our lives.

We do not see camp as simply an event to keep youth busy for a few days. We see it as a tool to help lay foundations for long-term spiritual growth and faithful Christian living.

Camp is not entertainment—it’s intentional discipleship.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6

Some of the most important ministry we do right now never happens on a stage.While furlough includes traveling to church...
05/25/2026

Some of the most important ministry we do right now never happens on a stage.

While furlough includes traveling to churches and reporting on the ministry in Kenya, it’s also a season of preparation for what’s ahead. Much of our time behind the scenes has been spent studying, planning, writing, organizing, and preparing materials for future ministry.

Right now we are working on:
• Camp devotionals and Bible lessons for upcoming youth camps
• Developing curriculum and materials for the Bible institute
• Planning future teaching structure and discipleship opportunities
• Organizing ministry resources and supplies to send to Kenya

In June, we are planning to send a barrel of ministry materials to Kenya — something we also did when we first moved there. This shipment will help us prepare for future camps, discipleship ministries, and teaching opportunities once we return.

Furlough is not a pause in ministry. In many ways, it is where much of the next season of ministry is built.

The Heart Behind The Ministry — Episode 2“Why focus so much on young people?”Because young people matter to God.In many ...
05/22/2026

The Heart Behind The Ministry — Episode 2

“Why focus so much on young people?”

Because young people matter to God.

In many places across Kenya, youth are growing up overlooked, underserved, and searching for direction. Some are surrounded by poverty, broken homes, addiction, false teaching, or hopelessness. But we believe the gospel changes lives at every age—and when it reaches a young person, it often impacts an entire family and community.

Youth ministry is not just about keeping kids busy or entertaining teenagers. It’s about discipleship. It’s about helping young people know Christ, understand God’s Word, and realize that they can live for the Lord right now.

Young people are not only the “future church.” They are part of the church today.

We’ve watched the Lord raise up young people who began faithfully serving in their churches, sharing the gospel with friends, helping lead ministries, and influencing others around them for Christ. Investing in youth is one of the most effective ways to strengthen churches and encourage long-term gospel growth.

When biblical truth is planted deeply in the life of a young person, the impact often continues for generations.

That’s why youth ministry is central to what we do.

05/20/2026

Life on furlough looks a little different every week—but most weeks involve a lot of miles, a lot of churches, and a lot of opportunities to serve.

Some Sundays we’re updating churches that have faithfully supported our ministry for years. Other times, we’re presenting our ministry to a church for the very first time so they can get to know us and the work the Lord is doing in Kenya.

While we’re there, Steve is often asked to preach, and Kelly may sing, share a ladies’ devotional, or teach a children’s Sunday school class. Sometimes we’re only at a church for a single Sunday, and other times we stay several days for a missions conference.

One of our favorite parts of furlough is getting to spend time with pastors, their families, and church members who faithfully pray for and support the ministry. We’re thankful for every church the Lord allows us to visit during this season.

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2912 Jackal Drive
Lorena, TX
76655

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