Just the Next Step

My name is Maria Kasadiki. Born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya, and over the years I’ve had the joy of serving in church and working with young people. I love Jesus, I love people, and I love seeing young people discover who they are and what God has called them to.

I heard about Friends on Mission sometime in mid-2025, at a really significant point in my life. I’d reached a place where I knew my season in Mombasa was coming to an end. I’d applied for a year of volunteer work in the UK, but I had no idea what I would do after that year. And honestly, the uncertainty was pretty scary!

I had a sense that God was leading me, even though I couldn’t see the whole picture. So when I heard about Friends on Mission, it felt like a timely opportunity to learn, grow and be equipped for the journey ahead.

Friends on Mission was very different from what I expected, in a good way. I thought I would mostly learn practical ways of doing mission, but it became much more than that. It was spiritually grounding and a place where my faith was strengthened. I found community and was reminded that I wasn’t the only one trying to live out a heart for mission.

One of the first sessions that really stayed with me was Jon talking about Abraham. God called Abraham, but didn’t give him the whole picture. Abraham simply said yes and went. I remember thinking, “Oh… maybe I don’t actually need to have this all figured out!” What stayed with me was this: I don’t need the full plan. I need direction.

That became very personal for me as I navigated my own journey. Over the ten months, Friends on Mission helped simplify my understanding of my calling. I have a big vision of seeing a youth hub established back home in Kenya, where young people can encounter Jesus and be equipped practically. But I’m learning that what I’m doing now is building towards that bigger picture. I can do the next thing God is asking me to do and trust Him with the rest.

My understanding of mission has also changed. One session challenged my idea that mission is something we do when we go somewhere else. Instead, mission is a way of life. Wherever I am, I am on mission. I could be on a bus, having a conversation, serving at church or simply living my everyday life. That was a real “yeah… wow” moment for me.

The retreat was another highlight. I expected something more like a conference, but it was much more personal, practical and engaging. It was a safe space to share honestly, learn from one another and allow God to challenge us. By the final session, I realised I had built genuine friendships. It really did feel like family.

If I were encouraging someone to join Friends on Mission, I’d say come expecting to learn, but also be open to God doing something unexpected. I joined thinking I would mostly learn how to do mission better, but I found a community that strengthened my faith, challenged the way I think about mission and reminded me that I don’t have to see the whole road ahead. Sometimes, I just need to know the direction and take the next step.