Hanka in Kenya
In 2024, after the first ArtCamps, I stayed in Kenya and spent a year becoming part of the community through relationships and the ministry of Pastor Paul. I taught music at the local theological college and privately with individuals, and shared with people about God's calling to be disciples of Jesus Christ and what that means in practice. At the school for future teachers, we managed to establish discipleship triads where we learn this together practically. In August 2025, further ArtCamps took place — this time with a large team of Kenyan teachers. Some of them came from the very schools where I had been working, and I met others through various shared events throughout the year.
After a year and the second round of ArtCamps, I returned to the Czech Republic for several months and connected there with Lída and Jirka Matuška, who were also "called" to long-term mission in this community. Together we are now seeking how to live and work alongside the local people, multiply God's life here, and build bridges between Kenya and the Czech Republic. All three of us are covered by and belong to the family of the missionary foundation Nehemia, and we also collaborate with the Czech non-profit organisation ShineBean, which has been working in Kenya since 2006 (in the areas of agriculture and supporting children from poor backgrounds in their education).
In my ministry I am supported and sent by my home church, Církev bratrská Network Praha, and the national Czech Christian choir Effatha.
Partners & Support
A Few Words from Hanka
I long to share my life, my faith in Jesus Christ, and the gifts I have been given — including my musical education and teaching experience — with the people here. I want to live in the midst of their community, learn through relationships with the local people, support their own culture, be sensitive to their needs, adapt to them, and offer what I can bring to enrich their lives. I would love for us to be able to learn from each other and inspire one another.
someone might be wondering, WHY BRING ART TO KENYA WHEN PEOPLE THERE DON'T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT
In 2023 I was asking the very same question. But when I was there in person, I saw that people have a great desire to learn new skills. I also discovered that people from all walks of life are drawn to music — that it is the "language of their heart", which can connect them with God and help them navigate the difficult situations they face. I came to realise that art and creativity are not a luxury for those who already have their lives sorted, but rather a potential that broadens perspective and can ultimately lead to a transformed outlook on life — both for individuals and for entire communities. That is why I believe developing creativity in places where not all basic needs are met is important.
In Kenya, great poverty is visible — but not everyone is poor. Yet material security is not the most important thing. Among the people there is hopelessness; they see no chance of a better future, and many are drowning in addictions to forget and escape reality (Much like people in Europe, even though we are materially far better off. That is another indicator for me that material security does not lead to contentment.). I believe they need to find and receive the hope and freedom that Jesus Christ gives, so that they can see the potential God has placed in them — potential He already sees in them now.
I want to encourage them to see that potential too, and with God's help to use it for themselves and for the good of their community. I want to support them in personal, practical and spiritual growth, as God leads. My goal is practical support for individuals who will be able to pass their experience on to 'their' people without a cultural barrier, and thereby influence their community more deeply. I am still on a journey of learning and discovering what exactly their needs are, where my place is, and how to help wisely. But together with the Matuškas we want to live among the people and share God's life, which has the power to transform human lives and bring true hope that can shine through every darkness and bring freedom.
HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE… SO I GO
That is my personal confession, which leads me to follow Christ on a path that is, for me, both a challenge, a hope, and a lesson in faith.
If my ministry has spoken to you, you can contribute financially to the . If you would like to support the ArtCamps directly, you can support the project .
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE, CONTACT ME BY EMAIL
hanka@effatha.cz