Lighting the World Across Kenya During Christmas 2023

Light is illuminating Central Africa as congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Lighting the World through providing impactful service in many Central Africa nations.  Jesus exhorted His disciples to “Let their light so shine before men that they may see your good works” (Matt 5:16).  Following the admonition of the Savior, good works are happening in stakes and districts throughout Central Africa.

This wave of Light began on November 25, 2023 in Eldoret City Center, Kenya, at a blood drive sponsored by the Church of Jeus Christ of Latter-day Saints Eldoret District.  Sister Michelle Rigby, Senior Missionary of the Church participated in the blood drive and shared, “A large amount of Love, along with blood, (a little sweat, but not a single tear), was donated all day long by so many kind and generous members of the community. What a beautiful gift of life to share at the beginning of this Christmas season.”

The wave of Light continued in Nairobi, Kenya on December 9, 2023.  Members of the Nairobi East Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered at the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to donate medical equipment and supplies needed by the hospital, and to clean and beautify the premises.

On 9 December 2023, members of the Nairobi West Stake, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  Saints, let their lights shine at Togotho Home for the Aged, in Nairobi, Kenya.  The Stake’s Young Single Adults organized the Light the World service activity at the Togotho retirement home. They cleaned the lunchroom, cooked a delicious Kenyan meal, washed laundry, chopped wood, and served lunch – and, at the end of a lovely afternoon, danced with the residents.  These wonderful young people, brought a day of brilliant light into the lives of the Togotho residents.

On the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya, on 9 December 2023, the Kisumu District of the Church brought light into the lives of children at the Kisumu Children Remand Home by purchasing and delivering blankets and mattresses for the children in the home.  The Director of the Remand Home said “because government cannot provide everything, for us, what this Church has done for us is just amazing.”  And bright.  Kisumu District President Akal, in a TV interview, said, “we felt there was a need for blankets and mattresses because the sleeping areas were not in good condition. We felt during this Christmas season, we needed to put a smile on these children’s faces, and help remind them that the Savior loves them and wants to see the best out of them.”

On 16 December 2023, the Nairobi South Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints kept the light shining by church members across Africa by beautifying the grounds of the Athi-River Level 4 Hospital and then visited the Bondeni Children’s Home.  Both are in Kitengela, Kenya.  Athi River Level 4 Hospital serves 120 patients per day with medical services ranging from delivering new babies – 3 women were in delivery at the very time the Nairobi South Stake members were outside cleaning the grounds, to treating patients suffering from AIDS.  Hospital facility  manager Dickson Mwangaingi said of the service rendered to the hospital, “This is very helpful.  We are happy to have your church here.  On behalf of the facility, I am very happy.”  President Frederick Shamola, President of the Nairobi South Stake said, “we are glad for the opportunity we have had to serve and to help the community.”

From the Athi River Level 4 Hospital, the 50 members of the Nairobi South Stake, walked the 1.5 KM to the Bondeni Children’s Rescue Center.  Bondeni is a rescue center that shelters, feeds, and provides the medical needs for 85 children from the ages of 2 to 18 years old.  Founder Charles Gitau, and his staff are doing the work of God.  Gospel writer Mark records the teachings of Jesus regarding children, in the 10^th Chapter of Mark.

13 ¶ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little ^achildren to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little ^achild, he shall not enter therein.

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and ^ablessed them.

Charles and his staff of 7 are a blessing to these children who have had very difficult lives.  The Nairobi South Stake was happy to lend their light to the good work of the Bondeni Children’s team.  They delivered encouragement and food to an organization that is always stretched financially to meet its mission.

With Light left to share, the members of the Nairobi South Stake closed their day of service by visiting the Athi River Prison.  Before the sun went down on this day of service, they had brought beauty and love and friendship to many who have challenges every day.