The Rogers' Family Neighborhood

There is no greater joy than seeing lives come to know Christ as Savior.

Over the past two years God has done something that is beyond what we could have imagined. We have been providing training integrated with the Gospel message since ELI began 20 years ago but during these past years, women who have been captured in the devastating business of brewing and selling alcohol have been hearing about the training we offer. Beginning with a small group in August 2013 we have now reached and trained over 300 women and men – helping them turn their lives and families around from a life of darkness, to a life that is directed toward a positive business or farming AND over 90% have come to follow Christ as their light and life!

THIS MORNING another miracle has taken place.

45 women arrived at the ELI Training Center in Ilula, Kenya last night and today during the morning session they shared their hearts and hopes for change. Director Samuel Teimuge listened and shared with such grace and insight that when he finished, the Holy Spirit moved in a miraculous way and all of the women asked to surrender their lives to Christ. I stood as they prayed – hearts calling to the God who made them and loves them with His eternal care. It was truly a moving moment I will never forget. The photo captures only a moment of the day but it was the turning point – the time of decision and surrender. God is real and has met them today. You are a part of this journey and we are so grateful for your prayers and encouragement. Their lives will never be the same again.

45. That is the number of women (currently all are brewers of illegal alcohol here in Kenya) who arrived a couple of hours ago for a week of training here at Ilula. Seeing them Monday when they first arrive I cannot help but believe with all my heart that by the time they leave on Friday that they will be changed – by the love and power of God.

Today was an incredibly moving day. Preaching at the AIC church in Iten, Kenya was a blessing but then visiting the home of Grace (a former Brewer) and seeing the impact that the ELI training had on her entire family as well as neighbors was overwhelming to see and hear. Her life is transformed from the inside out.

Appreciate so much your prayers!
Sunday morning (Kenya time) I will be traveling to ITEN, Kenya to preach at a AIC church there While Amy will be preaching at the Ukweli Chapel in Ilula.
Monday 45 brewers and sellers of illegal alcohol who are seeking change arrive here at the ELI Training Center (Ilula, Kenya) to begin a five days of training.

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