The Rogers' Family Neighborhood

Poverty robs people of their dignity and destiny. Today I stood in some incredibly beautiful places and views God has created! Yet – the people who live here have been crushed by poverty. A vivid contrast of beauty yet despair. HOWEVER, Last January Chief Beatrice – who oversees over 15,000 people in that location of Kenya led the gathering today. She shared that after hearing ELI leadership talk (last January in a meeting with over 100 chiefs) about using care and love rather than arresting the illegal brewers she went back to her village and within a month had helped 14 women begin the journey out of brewing, poverty, and into a relationship with God. In fact, she helped over 20 women she recently helped come out of brewing to come to the October 10th ELI Women of Change celebration and during that meeting 12 of the women gave their lives to Christ! The Chief pointed them out in today’s meeting and then asked the crowd if “Anyone else would like to be saved!” Amazing that government leaders are catching the vision of transformation with such clarity and passion!

The sense of hope and the evidence of change created such an energized atmosphere that we met for almost three hours. Sharing testimonies and hearing Chief Beatrice talk about how her recent exposure to ELI and this “unique strategy” of care has changed her entire leadership style and strategy. It is bringing change that is truly amazing, beautiful, and is multiplying. I was requested by the group today to share the “Chase the Dog” story and I wove that together with Ephesians 2:10 that declares they / we are God’s masterpiece. It was a fun and meaningfull interaction. Though alcohol has been rampant and the chokehold of poverty very real in this physically beautiful area – THINGS ARE RAPIDLY CHANGING and the darkness the had hovered for decades is being dissipated with each life that is choosing to change. The beauty of the area is being matched by the beauty of lives being set free to grasp the hope that brings change for now and eternity!

THANK YOU for your prayers!!! Here is a overview written today just after the event by one of the ELI Kenyan communication team members:

*See what the Lord has done
See what the Lord has done
What we’ve waited for, has come to pass
See what the Lord has done”*……..,,

The song resounded within the hearts of the ELI family both in Kenya (Staff, CH kids, Executive, Board members – Robert, Hellen, Samuel, Kimeli) and the USA (staff, STT, and founder)as they joyously celebrated the momentous 10th anniversary of Women of Change at the vibrant Iten grounds. It was an occasion that brought together over two thousand people:, Women of Change (Reformed brewers), Men of Change, Teams of Change, and their beloved family members, all flocking to the grounds to commemorate this incredible milestone bestowed upon us by God. The presence of esteemed guests, such as the Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet county, H.E Wisley Rotich,CEC, County Commissioner rep, the M.C.As, area chiefs, the MOC, and the WOC, added an extra layer of honor to the festivities.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with resounding praise and worship melodies, as we lifted our voices in unison to glorify God. Testimonies abounded, showcasing ELI’s remarkable impact in bringing about transformation at both the family and community levels. Through the provision of God-honoring income and the sharing of this transformative power, ELI has touched the lives of countless families across five Kenyan counties: Nandi, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet.
The jubilation was palpable as we revealed in the incredible achievements of the past decade. The ELI family, united by a shared vision and unwavering dedication, has made a difference in the lives of those we serve. This momentous occasion served as a testament to the power of God, hard work, and the unwavering commitment to uplifting communities.
As the sun set on this unforgettable day, hearts were filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. The 10th anniversary of WOC was not just a celebration of the past but a resounding declaration of our unwavering commitment to continue transforming lives and communities for many more years to come.

https://www.youtube.com/live/8I3vqSfAcX8?si=mF8UpbajGWqwQZCq

I hope that you can open this document.

Here is the program for today as over 2,000 lives impacted by ELI through your support and prayers gather at a soccer arena in ITEN, KENYA!!!

Glory to God!

WOC Anniversary Updated Program-1.docx

The venue tents are now set on the soccer field. Program kicks off tomorrow around 9am Tuesday, Kenya time.

We are all so excited that Amy finally arrived today! Just in time for the ten year anniversary for over 2000 reformed brewers who will gather tomorrow at a soccer arena, about 30 minutes away from here. Women of change 10 year anniversary is tomorrow!

Let your light Shine!

Today, I and a host of children and ELI staff received more friends here at the ELI Training Center in Ilula, Kenya! Welcome Christina (ELI Staff), Chris and Pam (Cedar Springs Church- WA), Marybeth (Victory Highway Church- NY)!

Tomorrow is Sunday, and we head to the village of Chepkorio at 7:30am to share at: 1. 200 children at the Sunday School, 140 Children at the local primary school – THEN to the Main Church Service, followed by lunch at the pastors’ house and then some home visits to see the impact of ELI training. Finally, there is a meeting with around 20 people whom ELI has trained, AND those trainees are inviting over 70 others WHO THEY HAVE TRAINED THEMSELVES!

Today, I had the privilege to meet with 7 ELI Kenya staff who are part of the FAMILY HOPE Task Force. Their leadership is helping raise a team of Change Agents in 12 different villages, impacting hundreds today and thousands in the years to come!

It was hard to believe, with my own eyes, to see over 100 village chiefs and assistant chiefs waiting for me and around seven other ELI Kenya leaders to arrive. We had over four hours to share with them the unique approach ELI has to see people come out of poverty and into the arms of God. The County Commissioner (boss of the chiefs) gave a 30-minute talk before we shared; that was so amazing to me as he completely unpacked how ELI integrates the spiritual invitation with the economic training that reaches people holistically and from the inside out!!!