“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Matthew 9:37-38
A Mission Born from an Experience of Service
Last year, Dr. Magalie Torres-Rowe traveled to Kenya as a missionary and entered deeply into the life of the Assumptionist mission there. Her service brought her into contact with several ministries, including Assumption High School, Youth Ministry, catechism for children, and the Parish Dispensary.
In each place, she encountered communities shaped by faith, generosity, hospitality, and a desire to serve one another. She spent time with children and young people, worked alongside local communities, and witnessed the everyday commitment of those carrying forward the mission of the Church in Kenya.
That experience did not end when she returned home. It became the beginning of something new. Inspired by what she had seen and received, Dr. Magalie began imagining a way for others to share in the same missionary spirit – not simply as visitors, but as volunteers willing to offer their time, talents, faith, and presence.
From One Missionary to Fourteen
Inspired especially by the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:37-38, Dr. Magalie initiated a new missionary trip. Today, that vision has become a reality: fourteen missionaries are already in Kenya, serving alongside the communities and missionary projects of the Augustinians of the Assumption.
The missionaries have come together from Boston, Massachusetts; Orlando, Florida; New Jersey; New York; and Peru. They arrive from different places and backgrounds, but they are united by one purpose: to serve.
Their presence is a reminder that mission is not limited to one profession, one country, or one kind of gift. Mission begins with a willingness to answer God’s call and to meet others with humility, compassion, and an open heart.
Serving Alongside the Assumptionist Mission in Kenya
During their time in Kenya, the group is supporting the missionary work already taking place within Assumptionist communities. Their volunteer service continues the spirit that first inspired this journey: walking with children and young people, strengthening community life, sharing knowledge and resources, and being present wherever help is needed.
For the Augustinians of the Assumption, this shared mission reflects a central part of our vocation: bringing people together in faith and working for the coming of the Kingdom of God. The missionaries do not come with the idea that they can solve every need. They come to listen, learn, serve, build relationships, and place their gifts at the service of others.
A Shared Response to the Call
What began with one missionary experience has now grown into a shared mission of fourteen volunteers. It is a beautiful example of how one encounter can inspire another, how generosity can multiply, and how a single ‘yes’ can invite many more people to answer.
We give thanks for Dr. Magalie Torres-Rowe, whose experience and initiative helped bring this group together; for each missionary who has answered the call to serve; for the Assumptionist communities welcoming and accompanying them in Kenya; and for every person whose prayer, encouragement, and generosity helped make this mission possible.
We also pray for the children, young people, families, parishioners, educators, ministers, and communities whom the missionaries will encounter. May these days of service become an exchange of faith and friendship in which everyone – those who serve and those who receive them – is strengthened.
The harvest is plentiful, and the workers have answered the call. May God bless this mission in Kenya and continue to raise up generous hearts willing to serve.
