March 2024 marked a milestone for the Ballard family as they embarked on a life-changing journey from Memphis, Tennessee, to Nairobi, Kenya, to serve as full-time missionaries. Chris and Shayla Ballard, along with their four children, Easton (13), Landon (12), Mason (7), and Olivia (4), left behind familiar surroundings and comfortable routines to answer God’s clear direction for their lives.
As they reflect on their first year in Kenya, the challenges and growth they’ve experienced have been profound. Their story is one of obedience to God’s calling, adjusting to a completely new way of life, and discovering God’s faithfulness in the midst of uncertainty.
When the Ballards first arrived in Nairobi, the reality of their decision hit them hard. The permanence of their move brought up emotions that went far beyond the typical missions-trip homesickness. Knowing the Lord had called them to missionary work and that He would provide for them made the decision to move to Kenya very easy, but they struggled with knowing they were leaving everything behind to answer that call.
“Even on a short-term trip you can get a little homesick and start missing friends and family, but it’s much different when you’re saying goodbye to become a missionary,” Chris Ballard said. “I think that was one of the hardest parts of the whole process, saying goodbye. Then also being here and knowing that we’re not going home and don’t get to see our family or friends anytime soon—that’s been hard at times to deal with.”
The move to Nairobi came with other challenges too. Unlike a short-term trip, where everything is planned out, Chris and his family quickly realized they were responsible for figuring out the day-to-day logistics of their new life.
“There are a lot more unknowns, and you don’t really hit the ground running the same way you would on a short-term missions trip,” Chris said.
As the months went on, the reality of being full-time missionaries began to settle in, and with that came a series of humbling moments. For Chris’ wife, Shayla, the adjustment period was both exciting and overwhelming.
“When you first get here, it feels similar to being on a short-term trip,” Shayla said. “But then around a month in, it hits you, and you’re like, ‘Woah. I just moved to Africa.’ I think that’s a big part of the beginning months—you’re uncomfortable as you’re figuring out how to do life.”
Adjusting to their new normal has been a gradual process, but the Ballards are now beginning to feel more comfortable in their new life. One of the primary focuses of their first year in Kenya has been learning the local language, Swahili. As part of their full-time language immersion, Chris and Shayla dedicate several hours each day to learning and practicing.
“For three hours a day we have someone come to our home, and we are in class learning, and then we also try to get out into the community for additional hours each week to practice that language,” Shayla said.
In addition to their language studies, the Ballards have been actively involved in ministry at their local church, which is relatively small with a congregation primarily made up of young people.
“I’m 39 years old, and I am one of the oldest members at this church, which is weird to say,” Chris said.
Due to Chris’s age he is in the unique position of giving guidance to other church members on matters like parenting and marriage—a role that is different from what he was used to back home, but one that he has embraced. This local ministry, however, is just one part of the Ballards’ broader mission. The Ballards are also involved with Lead Global Training Center, a facility dedicated to training and sending missionaries across Africa.
“Right now, the focus is Kenya and the surrounding countries, but the end goal would be to see people from all over Africa come here, train, and be sent as missionaries by their local church,” Shayla said. “People will come stay at the training center anywhere from two to five weeks at a time and be involved in an intensive missionary training for Africans.”
During the past year, Chris and Shayla have persevered in their walk with the Lord even through the difficult times. When everything has seemed overwhelming and they have wanted to give up because things weren’t what they expected, the Lord has given them the strength and encouragement they need to keep moving forward in this season of life.
“When things look bleak or we’re discouraged about what the future might hold, God has shown again and again that we don’t always need to have the full picture and that He knows so much more than we do,” Chris said. “His ways are better than ours.”
As the Ballards enter their second year in Nairobi, they are learning to embrace the unpredictable, trusting that God has a plan for where He has placed them. Despite the ongoing adjustments and challenges, their faith continues to grow as they take each day as it comes. Through every trial and triumph, they’ve learned one thing for certain: “He is a good God, and He has us right where He wants us to be,” Chris said.
Whether you’re called to overseas missions like the Ballards or called to support missionaries from home, there’s always a place for you in God’s global mission. Go to bellevue.org/missions to find out more about how to get involved and be a catalyst for spiritual awakening in Memphis and beyond!