What Love Can Build
Dear friends,
As Jordan and I walked through the dusty streets inside the slums of Nairobi, a wave of memories came rushing back. It’s been ten years since I last stood here—and yet, what we witnessed on this trip felt like a beautiful, full-circle moment.
We had the immense joy of reconnecting with two incredible women—Catherine and Mama Theresia. A decade ago, both lived in what most would call "devastating poverty." in. Back then, their lives were shaped by scarcity. Today, they radiate joy, faith, and strength.
Now living just beyond the slum, Catherine and Mama Theresia are leaders in their community and serve faithfully at their local church, New Song Chapel, under the leadership of Pastor Douglas Mukisa. Their transformation is not only a testimony of God’s grace—but also of what’s possible when the local church surrounds someone with love, consistency, and opportunity.
Catherine lives in a small one room apartment with her two daughters, Barbara (20) and Nicole (18). And although raising her two biological daughters has its challenges, her heart is big and she also fosters Tabitha, a vibrant nine-year-old girl. In Kenya, there is no government support for fostering children. Unlike in the U.S., families like Catherine’s take this on entirely by faith—covering every need out of their own limited resources. Yet Catherine didn’t hesitate. Her home may be humble, but the joy inside is unmistakable. During our visit we laughed, the girls taught Jordan some dance moves, and Jordan and I showed them our salsa skills. We felt completely at home. Catherine's smile is bright and her laugh is incredibly contagious!
Mama Theresia is much the same—overflowing with love. With six children of her own, she still is willing to foster a teenage child. Her motto seems to be, “There’s always room for one more.” Undoubtedly, she is making a life-long impact on this young woman’s life.
Of course, before we could leave, Mama Theresia insisted on blessing us with a bag of local fruits. She said, “when you visit a Kenyan’s home you must leave with something.” What seemed like a small act, exemplified the profound hospitality of the Kenyan people. Her generosity towards us and those around her reflects the heart of God, faithful and other-centered.
These women, once on the margins, have not let circumstances define how they live their life. They have invested in community, mentoring, and living out the Gospel in practical ways. And they’re able to do this, in part, because of your support.
Churches like New Song Chapel and families like Catherine’s and Mama Theresia’s are being lifted up through the faithful generosity of people like you. We want to give a special "thank you" to my cousins Courtney and Travis for standing alongside Mama Theresia. Your generosity tremendously blesses their life and is a symbol of God’s faithful provision.
As a reminder, we are covering all of our personal travel costs for this trip. Every dollar you donate goes directly to the people of Kenya—people like Catherine and Mama Theresia, who are rewriting their stories with courage and compassion.
If your heart is stirred by these stories, we invite you to be part of this work. We have SO MUCH we want to do here! Your giving doesn't just meet needs—it multiplies hope…
With grateful hearts,
Jared and Jordan Gustafson
