The Rogers' Family Neighborhood

What an incredible day here in Kenya!
This afternoon our family had the privilege of participating in the dedication of the newly renovated dorm (now Lodge) at the ELI Ukweli Training Center. This is the facility that has over the past two years been able to provide training in alternative skills to over 300 women who use to brew and sell alcohol. Now we will be able to host more people during future trainings!!!

THEN – after the festivities concluded we transitioned to begin an important three day leadership retreat for 26 of the ELI Kenya staff. We are off to a GREAT start as Julius (HR) gave an introduction, Samuel Teimuge (Director) led a time of reflective questions on the focus of ELI, I (Don) shared on Ephesians 2:10, ELI history and vision, and Jim Caya led a session on the parable of the talents and the importance of this ELI retreat. After supper some staff took a bit of time to share with all of us stories around the theme of “What challenge did you face and overcome as a young person or child”. some were very moving and some hilarious.

A wonderful time of bonding and a great and very full day here at the ELI Ilula Training Center.

Amy shared so beautifully with some of the ELI Kenya staff – giving updates on our family and ministry in Tanzania. We were also so blessed and encouraged as many of the staff in turn shared inspiring updates of how lives in Kenya are being empowered.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is going to be a BIG day as government officials, ELI staff, representatives from other NGO’s (World Vision) come and join Amy and I at the ELI Ilula (Ukweli), Kenya Training Center for a time of celebration for what God has done in the lives of many trained and to dedicate the renovated dorm – now known as the Ukweli (Truth) Guest House!

(Photo – Amy and Don among other ELI staff and government officials had a chance to speak words of encouragement to the men and their families as we celebrated together the change in their lives)

Today’s events here at the ELI Training Center are beyond words to describe. Over 100 people gathered in the training hall from all over Kenya because they wanted to celebrate with 11 men – the new course of life they have chosen and have been faithful to for over 6 months now. Leaving an addiction to alcohol is difficult yet the testimonies that Amy and I and the entire crowd heard today were a powerful testimony that God is real – God cares for the broken – God heals and can not only restore a lost life, but can also restore the families that these men belonged to.

There were tears shed as husband and wife asked for forgiveness from one another and there are songs of praise and many prayers and speeches. It went for over 4 hours yet we all knew that such a day of sharing should not be rushed. It was worth the time and as we put our heads to rest on this Saturday night we give praise for the ELI Kenya Anti Alcohol staff and others in the Kipkaren, Kenya community who help support and guide this amazing program that brings rehabilitation to lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The name of Christ was honored today in countless ways.

Http://empoweringlives.org

Today we travel to Kipkaren Training Center where 11 men gather with their families to celebrate their new freedom from a past alcohol addiction and at least 6 months of sobriety. May God be glorified!

Amy shared so beautifully with some of the ELI Kenya staff – giving updates on our family and ministry in Tanzania. We were also so blessed and encouraged as many of the staff in turn shared inspiring updates of how lives in Kenya are being empowered.

We did not enter the Serengeti but passed by the entry gate which is only about 10 miles from the ELI Training center. Hippos have been leaving the park, crossing the road to enter Lake Victoria and then travel in the Lake to our Training Center and the Directors Rice Field. Last week one Hippo was causing trouble in our neighboring village and the rangers were called in. Within hours Hippo meat was for sale and our director happened to be there to buy some. Tastes like a cross between beef and pork.