There is great reward when we embrace others in need and equip them with skills (not handouts) so that dignity and sustainability can be passed on to others!
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QUOTES FROM KENYAN LEADERS and ELI STAFF:
"We are now thinking differently than we have for many years!" -Village Chief
These words from the village chief during an ELI training meeting were so powerful. Especially when he shared that for almost 20 years, his office had been the central location where he and other chiefs would spend time planning on how to arrest the many illegal brewers in his location.
"ELI – you have given us a new roadmap that begins with talking with these women rather than arresting them. My office will have a new purpose from this time forward. Villages like ours are ready to partner with you to give skills and change to these people who can also become agents of change in our communities. Let us partner for the good of the people and our futures." -Village Chief
"We found that the challenges of this past year also brought blessings." -ELI Children's Home Parent
The parents and the staff of the children's homes shone like stars. Witnessing firsthand their resilience and positive attitudes in the face of COVID-19 restrictions and new responsibilities revealed again and again their true character and great trust in God. The ELI families learned to do countless things together. Cooking, studying, planting, cleaning, worshiping, praying, and just being a family together 24/7 for over eight months. We knew this past year had been challenging, but to see and hear the joy, laughter, songs, dances, and love emanating from the children revealed just how blessed we all are to have the kind of ELI staff we have who serve because God has called them and His Spirit is alive in them.
SATURDAY 7/31 & SUNDAY 8/1
Being here at the ELI Children’s Homes has been an overwhelming blessing to both Amy and me. We’ve been able to connect with all of the parents and leaders in both Ilula and Kipkaren and our hearts are full, seeing the dedication that each of the ELI staff has shown over these years and especially this past year during the pandemic. They have navigated every challenge with grace and strength in ways that challenge our faith and make us so proud to know them and even to call them friends. The children are so resilient, and the passion you feel when they worship penetrates your soul and brings tears to your eyes.
WEDNESDAY 7/28 & THURSDAY 7/29
Earlier this week, the cohort from the village of Kocholwo came to ELI for the second level of Family HOPE training. Comprise
During their 3-day training at the ELI Training Center, this group of emerging World Changers gained more agricultural and business skills to earn God-honoring incomes. Topics included:
- how to grow the greatest number of vegetables in the smallest space
- what a vertical garden is and how to build one
- the importance of a kitchen garden
- the different planting cycles of vegetables
- how to prepare a portable garden
- business skills, including record keeping and marketing
- many more ideas that this group completely embraced
Each person couldn't wait to return and apply whatever possible to their own homes and then share these ideas with others. By the end of the first day, they decided instead of being called a cohort they wanted to be known as the “Team of Change.” 
The chief said the #1 problem he has faced in his community is the challenge of illegal alcohol brewing and drunkenness. He is now hopeful that through this training the Team of Change will take the information they learned, share it with their friends and neighbors, and help bring transformation to the entire village!.jpeg)
We are humbled by the village chief’s eagerness to partner with ELI and embrace all of the training that took place, including the challenge to grow deeper in relationship with Jesus.
It’s incredible how the right knowledge in the minds, hands, and hearts of empowered people can bring transformation to a whole community! We are so excited to see the change in this community over the next few months. Thank you for making trainings like this one possible. You are bringing positive change to communities all over Kenya through your prayers and support!
TUESDAY 7/27 UPDATE
Amy was so blessed to be able to reconnect with the women leaders at the children’s home today for several hours. These moms have given so much to the children in the homes during COVID restrictions while the homes were on lockdown. What a blessing they are, and Amy’s heart was filled to overflowing as they exchanged stories and prayers of encouragement.
Tonight Don & Amy also had the great privilege to share devotion time with the children at the ELI Kipkaren Children’s Home. The fellowship was incredible and filled with songs and special dances that the children enjoyed sharing with them, and the testimonies from some parents were truly moving. At one point their mouths fell open watching the children recite memory verse after verse with passion and perfection—amazing! Don shared from Acts 16 on how God can make a way where there seems to be no way. 
Don shared with the cohort from Kocholwo for two hours as well. How exciting to see these teams of emerging leaders becoming equipped to be World Changers!
MONDAY 7/26 UPDATE
The days here are going by fast and each one is SOOO very full—of reconnecting, fellowship, prayers, and planning discussions for the ways God can and will move to crush poverty and bring more people to Christ.
An incredible first three days!
For the last couple days Don and Amy have been at a retreat location with several key leaders of the ministry to pray and plan for the days ahead and the overall roadmap for bringing HOPE to the increasing number of villages throughout the country that are requesting us (ELI) to help them create a pathway out of poverty.
Pictured: Don & Amy Rogers, Samuel & Rhoda Teimuege, John & Veronica Busienei
On Saturday they arrived back at ELI's Ukweli Training Center in Ilula to meet part of the ELI team who move out to impact the villages. They shared a meal and fellowship, and then the following two hours were spent sharing testimonies of God’s provision and faithfulness during the very unique year since COVID hit Kenya and created a variety of very challenging situations for people who are already living in poverty.
Again and again the national staff shared that the season was very difficult BUT that God helped them experience His grace and that everyone in their own way has grown to be even stronger and even more committed to seeing orphans and families empowered. It was very moving for Don and Amy to see such passionate dedication and they cannot help but know that God is strengthening all of our lives for greater opportunities we can already see are in the works.
Tomorrow (Sunday) Don and Amy will be the preachers at a local village church and then Amy meets in the afternoon with ELI Kenya women leaders while Don heads to town for the ELI Kenya Board meeting.
From Don: "We are already blown away by what we have witnessed in terms of impact and stories from the staff and are gearing up for a full week ahead of more connections, planning dialogues, and training opportunities with people from villages. We need and appreciate your prayers for renewed energy for each day and for sensitivity to always be in line with what God wants us to do and say."
Don and Amy made it to Ilula!
Today was a very special day as Don and Amy arrived at the first of the training centers and ELI Children’s Homes near Eldoret, Kenya.
It was an amazing welcome from the ELI staff and children. There were so many special connections and celebrations of God’s work taking place. Don and Amy feel at home and blessed by God’s favor and your prayers.
Please continue to pray for:
- A restful first night in Ilula now that they have finally arrived to the Eldoret region.
- an encouraging and blessed time in Kenya as they spend time with staff, children, and leaders from many different communities over the next few weeks.
- the Spirit of God to move profoundly in their midst and through the conversations they have.
- their energy levels
- their sons Joshua and Nathaniel who will be remaining in the USA for this trip.
Visit back here often for updates on the journey and thank you for your prayers and partnership!