During a recent visit to Kisumu, Kenya, the ELI team was profoundly moved by the remarkable life transformations taking place through our ministry. These changes—deeply impactful and far-reaching—are a testament to the power of faith in action. The truth of Ephesians 3:20-21 resonates strongly in the work being done:
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
While this progress is ultimately the Lord’s work, it is being accomplished through the generosity, dedication, and prayers of His people. The support of financial and prayer partners like you is instrumental in sustaining and expanding this ministry, ensuring that lives continue to be transformed for generations to come.
As we witness the extraordinary work unfolding through ELI in Kisumu, we are eager to share key areas of impact that will help us continue this mission.
In October of 2024, ELI conducted a graduation of 2,500 “Timothys.” Timothys are best described as leaders equipped to serve and disciple their communities. They are pastors who receive ELI’s training and go on to officially train other pastors.
At the heart of ELI’s mission is a train-the-trainer ministry model, equipping under-resourced pastors and ministry leaders. Our “Timothys” equip even more. This biblical approach creates a multiplying effect, spreading faith, knowledge, and leadership throughout communities.
During the October 12, 2024, graduation ceremony, we celebrated not only the 22 core ministry leaders ELI directly trained, but also the 1,983 individuals the Timothys, in turn, trained—an astonishing impact of 2,005 graduates in total! To put this into perspective, each Timothy trained an average of 90 others, demonstrating an exponential return on investment—a remarkable transformation fueled by faith, dedication, and strategic discipleship.
The graduation ceremony was a joyful and celebratory event, beginning with a procession through town, complete with a marching band, and culminating in a charge to every graduate to embrace their calling, continue multiplying their impact, and build the Kingdom.
On the coming Wednesday after the ceremony, through a joint initiative with The Gospel Coalition’s Women’s Initiatives team, 8 Women’s Ministry leaders graduated through course work. These women are already set to train another 22 women leaders next year.
In addition to all of this work, ELI taught a much-needed class on Biblical Counseling during this trip. As hoped, it was first and foremost profoundly healing for the leaders. At the end of the course, one brother in particular asked the team to surround and pray for him—for our Lord’s healing Hand on him regarding a deep heart/spiritual wound and for a renewed sense of being filled with the Spirit.
On the agricultural front, the impact of the training they’ve received is also abundantly fruitful! Prior to the best-practices farming training and the solar-powered water pumps we provided to irrigate crops, Elisha would typically harvest two large sacks of maize. Now, he will harvest ten large sacks of maize along with an abundance of other fruits and vegetables he is farming. This abundance not only provides well for his family, but also enables him to help others in need and to sell the excess to pay for his children’s education. The Gospel changes everything!
This momentous occasion is a powerful reminder of what is possible when faith-driven leadership is cultivated and empowered. With ongoing support, ELI can continue to expand this mission, raising up leaders who will transform lives for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful for partners who share this vision and make this Kingdom-building work possible. Thank you for considering how you can be part of this transformative impact. Your partnership makes a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve in Kisumu, Kenya.
We praise God for the power of His healing Word and His Hand at work, and we remain committed to providing these life-giving training opportunities. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to share this impact with you and invite you to be part of this ongoing work of transformation and discipleship.
