Grace in the Shadows - A Glimpse into the Slums of Kenya

Dear friends and supporters,

Today, I want to take you with us—not just in spirit or through photos, but through the sounds, smells, and stories that shape our days here in Kenya.

This past week, Jordan and I walked the narrow, winding pathways of one of the largest and poorest slums in the world. Nairobi is home to 5 million people, half of which live in the slums. That’s over 2.5 million people living in a tin medal 12x12ft dirt floor shelter. In some areas, there’s only one toilet for every 500 residents. The air is thick with the smell of burning trash and charcoal fires, mixing with the scent of open sewage and trash.

Toddlers, wearing a tattered, oversized American t-shirt (likely recycled from Goodwill), play amidst contaminated puddles. School children navigate unpaved dirt roads neatly dressed in crisp school uniforms with polished shoes; business women glide in high heels and chic attire through muddy footpaths with surprising grace. Life here is full of paradox: crushing poverty, yet undeniable dignity. Pain and play! Suffering, yet an unsinkable spirit.

As we moved through the slum, people called out to us, “Mazungu!”—the Swahili word for “white person!” Some stared, some smiled. A few of the smaller children even cried when Jordan would greet them, as it was their first time seeing a white person. Most were curious. But through the kindness of our friend Catherine, the community welcomed us warmly.

Catherine grew up in this very slum. She gave us a tour of her old home and introduced us to nearly everyone we passed. She proudly showed us her vegetable stand—the fruit of her resilience and faith. It’s amazing to see how far she’s come, now a business woman providing for her family. She beamed with joy, full of the light of Jesus. We met the women who raised her after she lost her parents—her surrogate mothers, who embraced us like family. We gave them small gifts celebrating their sacrifice and investment in our friend.

One woman’s story left us speechless. She had been on the verge of selling her body to feed her children. The night before she planned to go through with it, she was handed a flyer from the local church inviting her to an event. That night, she surrendered her life to God. She never went down that path—and today, she walks in hope.

We were also blessed with the opportunity to visit a sick Mama in New Song’s church family, Mama Joyce. We brought a care package to her and prayed together. She is requiring ongoing medical costly treatment for her illness. Through your support we blessed her with $100 USD. Please keep this sweet woman in your prayers. 

It’s been an absolute joy being both the extension of the love of Jesus but also a representative of your generosity. So, thank you for supporting this work.

Yes, the slums are dark in some ways. But grace shines even brighter here. Jesus walks these muddy paths, and He is healing, restoring, and redeeming lives.

Thank you for helping us be His hands and feet.

With grateful hearts,

Jared and Jordan Gustafson