Faith and Mission
Fearlessly Unshackled: A Conversation with Karen about Her Journey in Faith and Mission
Welcome to another episode of Fearlessly Unshackled, where we engage in meaningful conversations that explore the incredible work God is doing in the lives of passionate individuals. Today, I am blessed to be joined by Karen Omot, who will share her remarkable journey and the amazing things God has accomplished in her life.
Meet Karen
Karen grew up in Rapid City, South Dakota, where her early experiences at the Rainbow Bible Ranch profoundly shaped her faith. Alongside her three sisters, she attended this special place that became an anchor for her spiritual growth. Today, Karen resides in Worthington, Minnesota, with her husband and their three beautiful children—ages seven, five, and three. For the past three years, Karen and her family have been living in northern Kenya, where her husband serves as a pastor at a small Bible school. Karen, an English teacher, is exploring the incredible lessons and growth they have experienced during their time there. "It's a crazy world in northern Kenya, a far cry from my roots in Rapid City, but the joy of Jesus shines through despite the challenges."
A Journey of Faith
Karen reflects on her journey, detailing how each step has brought her closer to her calling. "Growing up, I always thought about missions and how ordinary people could make a difference," she shared. This realization exploded when missionaries visited her church and provided a window into how God was working globally. After graduating high school, Karen pursued a discipleship program in Kansas City, which allowed her to engage with the world in a way she had never done before. "My first overseas trip was to Honduras, where I was confronted with new challenges that opened my eyes to the raw realities of life," Karen explains. "It was a significant shift—from comfortable faith to a living, breathing relationship with Christ in tough circumstances." After college, Karen moved to Worthington, quickly immersing herself in a diverse community. She found joy in serving others and met her husband through a shared passion for mission work. Together, they embarked on this new journey to Kenya, embracing the unknown and leaning into their faith.
The Equipping Process
As we delve deeper, our conversation turned toward the process of equipping oneself for mission work. "I was eager to jump right in, but I learned that equipping is essential. It’s not about just being passionate; it's about digging deep and preparing your heart for the challenges that come with mission work," Karen emphasized. She shared how they invested time into their marriage and sought mentoring to navigate the complexities that arose from their different cultural backgrounds. "We didn't want our past insecurities to hinder our mission. Working through those vulnerabilities has been essential to living authentically and loving our neighbors well."
The Reality of Serving in
Kenya Living in northern Kenya has presented its own set of unique challenges. Karen describes the region as an almost untouched part of the country, where community and culture differ drastically from what she knew. "There are about 13 unreached people groups here—groups with little to no exposure to the Gospel," she stated. Kenya, while advanced in southern regions, remains a place where many have never heard the name of Jesus. Karen's husband leads the only Bible school in the area, encouraging local believers to grow in their faith and share it with their communities. "It's amazing to see the light in their eyes as they learn about Jesus for the first time."
Finding Peace in Vulnerability
Through it all, Karen has discovered the importance of vulnerability in faith. "Whether it's in a foreign land or at home, living authentically means dealing with fears, doubts, and insecurities head-on," she shared. Karen recounted a challenging experience when she faced a miscarriage while living in Kenya. Yet, she found that the presence of God was like a balm for her aching heart. "During that time, I realized that it's His presence that provides true peace. He wants us to be real with Him, even when we're angry or hurt."
Closing Thoughts
As our conversation wound down, Karen highlighted the critical balance between comfort and calling. "It's easy to stay in our comfort zones, but God often calls us to step out, whether it’s across the world or into our neighborhoods. Our mission field can start right outside our door.” Before concluding, Karen offered a powerful prayer—a reminder that the journey of faith requires continuous surrender to God's leading and a commitment to loving others deeply.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Fearlessly Unshackled. Karen's story of faith, vulnerability, and mission serves as a beautiful testament to how God can work in our lives, transforming us into vessels of His love. As she continues her mission in Kenya, let’s remember that our calling can unfold right where we are, inspiring others to experience the joy of knowing Him. For more stories like Karen's and to support her mission, stay connected with us. Until next time, let’s embrace the opportunities to share love and light, wherever God places us!