A Turkana woman is baptized after evangelistic meetings in that area of Kenya. [Photo: Maureen Were]

The Seventh-day Adventist-driven initiative is “a lifeline in the desert,” leaders say.

February 23, 2025 | Kenya | Maureen Were, West Kenya Union Conference, for Adventist Review

The West Kenya Union Conference (WKUC), in partnership with Adventist World Radio (AWR), recently concluded its Lipo Tumaini outreach and evangelistic initiative in the region.

It was a transformative initiative aimed at addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Turkana, regional church leaders said. “This campaign made significant strides, encompassing various efforts, including food distribution, baptisms, and the establishment of a borehole in Napeikar,” they shared. “These initiatives have left a lasting impact on the region, bringing immediate relief and long-term hope.”

On February 7 Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Kenya, in collaboration with WKUC, organized a food distribution event for the communities of Nabuin and Nawoitorong in Turkana. This initiative provided critical support to families grappling with food insecurity in a region where survival is often a daily challenge. The harsh, arid terrain of Turkana, characterized by dry savannahs and rocky hills, has long made access to basic resources difficult. The food delivered during the campaign brought essential sustenance to many and alleviated some of the hardships faced by local families.

Attendees gather at the night evangelism site. [Photo: Maureen Were]

The relief efforts were spearheaded by WKUC president Samuel Misiani. Contributions from conferences and fields within the West Kenya Union Conference played a vital role in collecting the funds needed.

While addressing physical needs was a key priority, the spiritual impact of the Lipo Tumaini campaign was equally significant. A powerful net evangelism event culminated in the baptism of 484 individuals, regional church leaders reported.

“This mass baptism serves as a powerful testament to the profound spiritual hunger within the community and their unwavering commitment to a renewed life of faith,” Misiani said. He added, “At one of the satellite sites where I was preaching, our services would begin at 9:00 in the evening and often stretch past midnight. Despite the long distances they had to travel to graze their goats and search for food, the people would still find time to gather, sitting late into the night to listen to the Word.”

Local men gather at the evangelism site. [Photo: Maureen Were]

North Rift Valley Field (NRVF) leaders were present to celebrate this important occasion, underscoring the significance of addressing both the physical and spiritual well-being of the people. “We are happy with the decision of WKUC to bring this campaign here. Because of the harsh, arid terrain of Turkana, many people fear coming here, but the WKUC president, guest speakers, and the media team braved it. It has been a great harvest, and we still have hope that many people will give their lives to Christ from this region,” NRVF president Jackson Soet said.

Another major accomplishment of the campaign was the launch of a borehole in Napeikar, addressing the chronic water scarcity that has long plagued the Turkana people. The establishment of this borehole marks a critical step toward sustainable access to clean water, leaders said. “The borehole will not only provide a reliable source of water, reducing the burdensome and time-consuming task of fetching water, but it also represents a tangible symbol of progress and hope. This initiative will greatly improve the daily lives of residents, offering both immediate relief and long-term sustainability,” they said.

A new convert is baptized. [Photo: Maureen Were]

In addition to these activities, Misiani visited Lokichogio Adventist School, currently hosted by the Lokichogio Seventh-day Adventist Church. The school is in the process of relocating to a new site, with the construction of the new facility nearing completion, thanks to the generous support of a benefactor. Misiani took the opportunity to assess and discuss the best strategic approach for the development of churches, schools, and other potential areas for expansion in the region.

Misiani also met with leaders and elders from the Kakuma and Lokichogio districts at the Kakuma Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. During this visit he offered encouragement and guidance, particularly for the many refugees in the area.

“Our focus is on ensuring sustainable growth, identifying opportunities for further community engagement and laying the foundation for continued progress in this crucial area of ministry,” he said.

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