In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Paul writes: “May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” All matters of life—spirit, soul, and body—are important, and in development ministry, we are called to care for the whole person. This parting shot from Paul to the church in Thessalonica served as an encouragement to us during Ove Tingaard, Jens Christian Olesen (JC), and Niels Jørgen Wiwe’s visit to Kenya in April.
Ove and JC serve on the board of ASSIST Denmark, an organisation whose mission is to provide emergency aid and long-term development assistance to the poor, marginalised, and vulnerable.
Each year, Ove, JC, and Niels visit Kenya to encourage the EPTF team and witness how our partnership is impacting lives and restoring dignity in homes and communities.
This year, the team visited our work in Moiben and Migori. Below is a short update from these great men of faith regarding their time in Kenya:
“Migori is the venue for the latest project of The Navigators EPTF, and what a joy it was to visit the project and see a quick and positive development among self-help groups. In all aspects, we were encouraged. The communities are involved and cooperative. The church is involved. The groups are already actively raising chickens, harvesting honey, and producing farm products. Skilled personnel have been recruited to train the people in various skills. Relationships with authorities are working well and respectfully. The development strategy is clear, with production, processing, and marketing.
Currently, 15 self-help groups are operating, with more groups interested in joining. Many have very limited resources and are struggling to make ends meet—teenage mothers, people with disabilities, and widows. Now the question arises: Is it time for a new witness to these people about the love of God? Maybe only God knows the answer, but surely the needs are there, and the opportunity is ripe.
Our hearts are full because of the great things God is doing in the pride lands of Uasin Gishu County. During the visit, we experienced the strength of unity in a community, working among people who have great hope for future generations. This positive response enabled us to collaborate on developing a comprehensive business model overview of the Beekeeping Enterprise. A model that will help the groups EPTF works with to process and sell honey and other honey products.
As we navigate the goodness of God in deeds and the transformation of a community, we are encouraged by their grateful hearts, their interest and inquiry about beekeeping, and their thirst for God.
Finally, the need is there, and the opportunities are ripe. We pray God’s love reaches them more and more each day, and that He equips new witnesses to be workers of His kingdom for holistic transformation.”
— JC, Ove, and Niels
We are grateful for these wonderful friends and partners. As mentioned in our previous update, we aim to reach at least 1,000 individuals each year for the next three years. We cannot do this alone. Would you consider giving a one-time gift or committing to give monthly to EPTF?
To give, please click this link https://eptf.org/donate-now/
