HOPE MULTIPLYING

Amazing things are happening in the village of Kocholwo because of New Bridge’s faithful partnership! Recently, over 120 people gathered in the village to receive training on pixie orange farming! This all started a few years ago when Samuel and Dennis (ELI leaders in Kenya) were researching viable crops that could be grown in parts of the Kerio Valley to help make money. They discovered that citrus trees and coffee were good fits for the climate and soil. Last year after finding an organization that focuses on citrus tree propagation, Samuel and Dennis began training a few people from Kocholwo who were eager to experience change and willing to take the first step.

The Team of Change who received training came home excited to plant their seedlings and begin the pilot pixie program. They have experienced success with their little seedlings as they have become small trees with established roots. Word spread quickly through the community about these little pixie orange trees! The village leaders and ELI staff wanted to make sure that everyone would be successful at this, so they held a large training for all who wanted to learn.

The training was coordinated by Alexander, the Chief of Kocholwo, and Women of Change leader Ruth. They are both part of the Family HOPE village cohort you are helping train, coach, and mentor! These two, alongside ELI staff, brought over 500 seedlings to share with the families who were eager to bring transformation to their homes and their villages. And over 120 people showed up! 

Explosive growth happens when unique ideas, skills, and knowledge pay off and people see a way forward. People who attended this training were saying things like, “I see my retirement in these little seedlings” and “I see the money that will put my kids through college in these seedlings.” 

They not only learned farming skills to help them earn a God-honoring income, but they also heard testimonies from Ruth and many others who shared about the love of Jesus! The families are even being organized into small groups for Bible studies and accountability. Thank you for bringing transformation to moms, dads, and children in Kocholwo! None of this would be possible without the prayers and support from you all at New Bridge.

HOPE RISING

There is so much momentum in the village that on December 3rd a declaration of HOPE will be made by dozens of Women of Change, village leaders, ELI children’s home graduates, and ELI staff. They will hike up the mountainside that Ruth used to hike down to sell her illegal moonshine.

The day will be a demonstration of God’s deliverance, grace, and power in reversing the pattern of poverty that has been prevalent in their communities for generations. These men and women affirm His commission over their lives to be World Changers. Collectively we are calling this unique hike with a purpose “Hope Rising!”

We know this will be a powerful example and prophetic declaration for everyone involved. As Bush, ELI-Kenya COO, cast the vision in Africa for this experience, he said:

This may not be the kind of hike for everyone in that the climb will be difficult—and it is meant to be. It is a powerful symbolic climb because changing lives is not an easy thing, and so the climb will also not be easy, BUT we will demonstrate to many of those who ask us what we are doing and why: that we persevere to make it to the top as we declare that all who decide to change can also persevere by the grace of God and find HOPE RISING in their hearts, homes, and communities.

With Ruth and the Kocholwo Team of Change leading the way, hundreds of unbelievers will hear the message of HOPE—the message of salvation through Jesus Christ—and we pray that they are filled with HOPE. We believe this 7-mile hike will be a catalyst for faith, influence, and miracles for Kocholwo and the surrounding areas.