Kitale, Kenya

Our approach to Kenya is multi-faceted. Though the people are hardy and spirited, the poverty is severe. Spiritual warfare is extreme in Kenya and Africa as a whole, making prayer support essential. Education and healthcare are too costly for most. Kenyans desperately need assistance. Deadly flooding has forced villagers to relocate numerous times in the last six years. These good people have endured famine and the loss of loved ones. It is hard to imagine life without food to eat. Many across the globe have never experienced famine by the grace of God. It is devastating to watch people suffer this way. We recommend a film titled “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.” This film draws viewers to experience life in Africa amid famines and flooding as people lose their crops, land, and all hope, though due to ingenuity, the story has a happy ending.

A primary focus for Kenya is education and self-empowerment through salvation, building an abundant life through an identity in Christ, and practicing kingdom principles and the spiritual disciplines. We support business development that empowers Kenyans to overcome poverty and become pillars of change in the community. On the ministerial horizon is the plan to secure and refurbish a property for orphans as a home and school.

Through Living Flame Christian Ministries, you can make a difference in the lives of Kenyans. LFCM also raises funds for food, education, healthcare, funerals, and church needs, such as building materials, chairs, tents, equipment, and the sponsoring of church conferences. Volunteers are the engine of this ministry. We welcome prayer warriors, fundraisers, leaders, missionaries, and more. Bring your skills, gifts, and heart to support Africa.

Kenya is in East Africa with the Indian Ocean to its southeast border. It has a population of approximately 53 million people, with over 40 different ethnic groups. The largest ethnic group is the Kikuyu. Other groups include the Luhya, Kalenjin, Luo, Kamba, and others. The official languages of Kenya are English and Swahili, with many other languages spoken throughout the country.

Kenya is known for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture. The country is home to numerous national reserves and parks. The economy is diverse, with agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing being significant industries; it is a leading producer of tea and coffee and has a horticultural sector. Tourists come to Kenya for its rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance, and art forms. Sports are also part of the culture highlighting success in long-distance running.

Challenges include poverty, corruption, and political instability; however, the country has made progress by improving access to education and healthcare. Kenya is deemed a regional leader in innovation, particularly in the technology sector, with many startups emerging in recent years.

Christianity is the dominant religion in Kenya (about 85% of the population), including Protestants, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Catholics. Islam is the second-largest religion in Kenya (about 11% of the population). The rest of the population practices traditional African religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Bahai, and Sikhism. African spirituality includes the practice of rituals and ceremonies to seek guidance from ancestors and spirits.

Christianity has positively affected Kenya, helping to shape a sense of community, hope, and inspiration for its people. Christians have spearheaded many social and humanitarian initiatives, with churches running schools, orphanages, hospitals, and other charitable organizations that aid and support those in need. They have also promoted peace, justice, and reconciliation, particularly during times of conflict and political unrest. Christian missionaries have advanced education and literacy in Kenya and helped shape moral values and ethics. Promoting virtues such as love, forgiveness, and compassion have helped to foster strong family and community relationships in Kenya.

Kenya has been a victim of terrorist attacks by radical Islamic groups such as Al-Shabaab. These attacks have caused fear and mistrust towards Muslims, who may or may not be associated with the perpetrators of such attacks. Interfaith conflicts occur between Muslims and Christians, often fueled by political, economic, or social factors, resulting in violence and loss of lives.

Witchcraft, spells, and curses are issues that affect many people in Kenya, particularly in rural areas. These practices are often associated with traditional African spirituality and involve the belief in the power of supernatural forces to influence human affairs. Many Kenyans view these practices as threatening to their health, safety, and well-being, for witchcraft can harm or manipulate others, inflicting curses that lead to illness, misfortune, and even death.

Furthermore, the belief in witchcraft casting spells and curses has led to cultural fear and distrust in some communities. Fear and suspicion have made it difficult for people to share the community and have hindered social cohesion and development. To address these issues, the government of Kenya has taken steps to discourage harmful practices associated with witchcraft.

The belief in marine spirits and the water kingdom is prevalent in some parts of Kenya, especially coastal communities. According to this belief, marine spirits are supernatural entities that inhabit the ocean, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. Experience has proven that these spirits have the power to control the affairs of humans, particularly those who rely on water for their livelihoods. The water kingdom is a powerful and mysterious realm, home to various spiritual beings. These beings are believed to have the power to control the weather, cause natural disasters, and influence human affairs, and are often associated with traditional African spirituality. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians have been known to help Africans and others across the globe gain freedom from these dark entities.