Chris is a pastor who works with slum and rural communities, seeking to bring life, hope and practical support to the families, children and individuals he interacts with each day.

Chris runs a church and a children’s day care centre in Kariobangi, Nairobi, Kenya, and also reaches out to street children from Laki Sama, Baba Ndogo and Dandora (which is home to a huge rubbish tip).

The church used to be a club – a place for gathering and drinking – but when it became vacant Chris saw the opportunity to turn it into a church, so that he could share good news in the community, and also have a base for discipleship and practical support.

The church is a key part of the community, helping those who need food, childcare, schooling, and those who feel lost or are struggling.

^‍It’s because of these essential needs that the church is also a centre for childcare and family support, offering a safe space for children while their parents go out to work.

“The parents who have to go and work in the city hotels so they can come home with money to feed the family, where do they take the children? I created an environment for mothers and single parents, so they can have the opportunity to work.”

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Chris and the church also support the many children who live on the streets. “I talk to them,” says Chris. “They are not easy to talk to because they feel that they are in another world – they run away. I pray to God for favour and grace. Then they hear me. They welcome me. They listen to what I have to tell them.”

Chris’ ministry is about putting God’s Word into practice and also sharing it with others. He shares:

Lifewords has helped me because I can teach confidently, show the story through pictures in the booklets. And, I can reach out to anybody, to any age, to any life situation. There is a booklet for everyone.

The practical support together with the invitation to connect with God is making a difference in this community. Last Christmas, Chris and the church gave out gift packages to people. “Pastor Chris brought us a gift pack,” says Naomi who lives in Kariobangi. “I loved everything there, but the greatest thing was the OUTSIDE/IN booklet. It helped me know that I am invited to be in God’s family.”

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