Kenya: Reaching the Impoverished and Imprisoned

Kenya is one of Africa’s most imperiled nations, a land of constant and utter need. Drought and famine beget poverty…poverty begets a daily scramble for food…and malnutrition multiplies the dire medical needs. It all contributes to lives of desperation, including crime. In response to God’s calling, World Challenge is bringing food, medical aid and the love of Christ to those imprisoned in poverty-stricken slums and in literal prison.

A medical missions team was dispatched to three particular trouble spots near the capital city of Nairobi. This team—composed of five U.S. doctors and a doctor from Pro Health Nigeria—joined local volunteers and partner ministries in the three communities to minister to more than 1,500 people over six days.

After seeing the doctor, each child was given a little snack.

The medical team set up clinics in two major slums in Nairobi, the Mathare and Kawangware sections. At Mathare, a clinic was operated at one of several local feeding centers supported by World Challenge. The teeming crowd of sick children and adults who gathered were fed a meal as the medical team set up a triage. As the grateful people were being served, one young girl prayed over the food, and the children—led by a local volunteer—sang “There’s No One Like Jesus” in their own language.

They had to be treated for respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, parasites and other maladies. The medical team spent the next two days ministering in the Kawangware slum, running a clinic out of another facility operated by World Challenge. Again, they treated the people for respiratory infections, gastrointestinal problems, parasites and other maladies.

Perhaps Kenya’s needs were seen most clearly at the Langata Women’s Prison, where the medical team spent two days treating incarcerated women and their children. Kenyan law dictates that children of imprisoned women are to remain with their mothers until age four, when they are placed in the social services system.

Two years ago, we extended our Please Pass the Bread ministry into Langata Prison. We work with a local minister, Brother Kelvyn, who distributes food and hygiene items we provide to the incarcerated mothers and their youngsters every week. Brother Kelvyn also leads Bible studies and holds worship services for the inmates. With a tangible knowledge of God’s love for them, many of the women have turned to Jesus.

We thank you for partnering with us to make a difference to the neediest in this desperately impoverished nation. By our Lord’s command, the gospel is shining into the darkest corners of the world. And those most in need are coming to know his incomparable love.