Peter Abungu is a 127 Worldwide partner who directs Swahiba Networks in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. In episode 12 of the Simply 127 podcast, Peter speaks on the importance of GO Teams and shares some insight on his experience working with Americans.

At 127, we champion mutual edification by striving to notice how God has used our partners not only for the sake of their own ministries, but also for the sake of our discipleship. We want to show the nature of his church by being quick to tell the stories of what we’ve learned and how we’ve grown through relationships with 127 partners - sometimes even when we disagree.

127 Worldwide connected me to Swahiba, and Swahiba in turn connected me to this widow. But only God knew how both of our stories would intersect that day. It’s amazing how he can use the broken parts of our lives to accomplish his mission in places we might never expect.

Perhaps more harmful than these expectations, though, is our belief that international service will heal our spiritual brokenness. We don’t board the plane considering how we can encourage local people; we come expecting them to fill us. Before joining a 127 GO Team, it is important to dispel these unrealistic and unhelpful expectations.

127 has a different model. It might be terrible math, but we think that we can actually accomplish more for the vulnerable by doing less for them directly. Faithful Christians have labored in their contexts long before our team arrives, and we want to aid that gospel work in ways that help without hindering the mission already happening.