Overview
Abandonment, environmental disasters, war, corruption, personal addictions, lack of knowledge and resources are like links in a chain that has bound over 2 billion people in our world to a weighted journey of pain. ELI's mission to reach and empower what scripture calls "the least of these" involves strategic training's, programs, and / or facilities aimed to recapture and rebuild the lives of the poor and oppressed throughout Central and East Africa.
Economic Development
"Give a man a fish and he will he will eat for a day - Teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." This familiar saying holds a powerful truth - It is far better to empower a person with knowledge than temporary relief. Relief is needed in many emergency situations but for long term impact - economic development is paramount.
Orphans & Vulnerable Children
Patrick’s contagious smile fails to tell the abuse he has endured, the challenges he has overcome, and the battle he continues to face. As a 9-year old boy, Patrick’s story is one that breaks the heart.
Education
What was once a hopeless situation today for 500 children today from the voices of those same hopeful students we hear them say “Together we are Empowering Lives” Then as they dance they sing the words, “Look at us, Look at us, We are the scholars of ELI, Look at us” God has definitely looked at them and shown his light upon this place.
Healthcare
The way we feel physically impacts all other areas of our life. Sickness caused by malnutrition, impure water, sanitation and disease including HIV / AIDS are devastating to the productivity and empowerment of people who feel trapped in poverty. The health ministry of ELI emphasizes prevention over cure. 80% of the illnesses in African village communities could be prevented if the people had access to clean water and basic sanitation. HIV / AIDS is a growing global pandemic that adds yet another dimension to the health problems that must be addressed! Village wide campaigns, free HIV testing, counseling, referral to ARV drugs, dynamic intensive seminars on Home Based Care For the Sick (HBC) and the Training of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) all part of an overall strategy of bring hope and improve health to the needy in our world.
Spiritual Development
“How do you integrate spiritual training with agricultural training?” The question came from a long-time Kenya missionary to one of our staff. “Don’t you find that you focus one just one component?”“How do you manage to compartmentalize God?” was the answer.
At ELI, every component of our ministry is driven by our love for God and the mission to which God has called us. Whether we offer AIDS education, train small-scale farmers to grow better vegetables, whether we teach a grandma or a 5-year-old how to write, or treat someone for the flu, we serve God’s people in whatever way He is leading us. And part of that is to equip pastors with necessary skills to be better leaders. It is also in establishing village churches. Check back for more information on ELI’s spiritual development.
Church & U.S. Awareness
“I thought I came to Kenya to bless the people through our gifts and programs. But I’m leaving having been blessed far more!” At ELI Kenya, this is a very typical response from visitors.
Considering ELI’s work may leave you with the impression that Africa is where our ministry begins and ends. However, the ministry would be very limited without the involvement of the church around the world. By motivating Western believers to invest in God’s work in Africa, it not only allows them to respond to the issue Jesus spoke most about—money—but how we are to respond to the needs of the poor. More so, it allows them to put their faith into action.