Tumaini Children's Ministry - June 2022 Update

Tumaini Runners’ Program

The Tumaini Runners’ Program was started in 2007 by two young women who had recently graduated from Stanford University. Following their graduation, the young women, avid amateur runners, embarked on an adventure taking them around the world to participate in marathons across the globe. A stop in Kenya found them looking for a place to stay for a race taking place in the Mt. Kenya Region in the Central Highlands. A long-time donor to the Tumaini Children’s Center, a home for vulnerable children in Nyeri, Kenya, gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse. In exchange for accommodations, they had to promise to visit Tumaini and spend some time with the children. Out of that encounter, the Tumaini Runners’ Program was born.

China Mission Update — Chinese in Diaspora: A Conversation with Chris

Praise the Lord! The Outreach Foundation has received permission to return to mainland China from July 22 - August 1! If the past few years have taught us anything, it is not to take anything for granted and as Paul wrote, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Therefore, we are grateful and humbled that the Lord has opened the door for us to visit our friends in China and seek understanding on how we might serve the Kingdom of God along with them.

Asia, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJuly 17, 2023China Partnership, China

Together for the Family — July 2023 Update — The Firm Foundation

The Firm Foundation project has proven to be a remarkable initiative since its inception in March, following the devastating earthquake in the region. This program has effectively addressed the pressing need for education among individuals whose schools were either destroyed or repurposed as shelters for the homeless. Extensive efforts have been dedicated to implementing a wide range of activities, resulting in not only the continuation of academic pursuits for these students but also an enhanced educational experience.

Ukraine — God's Redemptive Mission in a Broken World

The heartbreaking war in Ukraine continues. Through the generosity of many churches and friends, The Outreach Foundation has been able to establish deep relationships throughout the region, offering relief, support, and encouragement.

Europe, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJuly 12, 2023Ukraine Appeal, Ukraine, Kyiv

Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo — July 2023 Update

The Evangelical Theological Seminary (ETSC) held its 152nd graduation exercises at the Heliopolis Evangelical Church. Seventy graduates received diplomas, including 12 MDiv ordination track students, 1 Master of Theology student, and 33 Master of Theology students. The MDiv students will be taking ordination examinations with the intention of serving as pastors in churches across Egypt. The other students will move into various positions of service.

Important Announcement from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC)

Rev. Dr. Youssef Samir, ETSC Board Chairman, announced the unanimous election of Rev. Dr. Samuel Rozfy as the new president of the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo.

Introducing our newest partner in Pakistan, PAK7!

PAK7 has national leadership with solid international oversight and wants to see God glorified and enjoyed in Pakistan, among Christians and the majority population. They do so through indigenous, strategic, and innovative methods involving children and adults testifying through professional television programming, music, and social media.

Asia, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJune 22, 2023PAK7, Pakistan, Pakistan Partnership

Heartbreaking News from Haiti Outreach Ministries

It is heartbreaking to see the images coming out of the communities of Repatriote and Terre Noire in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The heavy rains and massive flooding that took place on June 3 and 4 have left some families with nothing — homes and belongings that literally washed away — and so many others picking up the pieces of what were already rudimentary shelters to begin with. Clothes, shoes, and beds are gone. Street vending supplies used to eke out a meager living have disappeared. Ten days later, there is still standing water in many places, despite days of Haitian sunshine. That’s how much rain descended on these communities.

PCEA Church Construction in Kenya — PCEA Ng’alalya Church Dedication

PCEA Ng’alalya Church was dedicated on June 4. The new church is located about 1.5 hours east of Kikuyu. It is a growing area and has a lot of potential. I can see them expanding in five years. In the meantime, we have helped them with a church where they can grow their capacity and members and do much on their own. The closest PCEA church is PCEA Bethany, the mother of Ng’alalya, which is 10 kilometers (more than five miles) away. This is too far for children and the elderly to walk.

Africa, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJune 15, 2023PCEA Church Construction in Kenya, Kenya, PCEA

Extreme Flooding in Haiti

The heavy rains and floods that took place last weekend in Haiti tragically left 51 people dead, 140 people injured, and nearly 40,000 households affected. Thankfully our staff are accounted for and our campuses are ok, although the Repatriote primary school has been closed all week due to the area conditions. Pastor Leon Dorleans has been visiting some of the hardest hit areas and reports that nearly every house in Repatriote had standing water inside, reaching as high as 2-3 feet. Two of our school teachers lost their homes entirely.

John McCall — May 2023 Update

As I travel around Taiwan, and this year around the United States, I have been observing young people. We live in such an uncertain time with so many problems facing the world that I have been interested in how young people are coping.

We know the sobering statistic of the high rate of anxiety among young people. Global warming, the increasing disparity between those who have and those who have not, geopolitical tensions, and an uncertain economy all feed into this anxiety. The use of social media, instead of helping young people feel more connected, often leads to isolation and self-shaming.

Global Workers, Missionaries, AsiaThe Outreach FoundationJune 6, 2023John McCall, Taiwan

Blessed School — Update

Believing that our students have the right to be active members of Lebanese society, Blessed has launched the “I Deserve, and I Can” project, affirming their right to work, earn money, and secure their futures. Blessed School already has many students working as caregivers and office assistants and in data entry and catering.

Knowing that music is a major part of their joy, Blessed School has performed at many big events with famous musicians and singers. A Christmas Medley was published in 2022, enjoy it here:

Middle East, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJune 5, 2023Blessed School, Lebanon

Musalaha — May 2023 Update

Musalaha is a faith-based organization that teaches, trains and facilitates reconciliation, mainly between Israelis and Palestinians from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, but also international groups, based on biblical principles of peace, tolerance, and love. We recently received news about Musalaha from Executive Director Daniel Munayer:

Equipped with courage and strong faith in our reconciliation mission, the entire team has prospered in transforming 343 Israelis and Palestinians across the Land in 2022. Musalaha bridges antagonism through faith and by finding each other in joint, meaningful encounters.

Middle East, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJune 2, 2023Musalaha, Israel, Palestine

Linda's Library — Gituamba Girls’ Secondary School in Kenya

Today we dedicated our fifth Linda’s Library. It was at Gituamba Girls’ Secondary School in Limuru. The occasion was moderated by the Moderator of Lari Presbytery, Rev. Karanga. The celebration was filled with dancing and singing by the girls along with many speeches.

Libraries take students to a new level of learning. They open up new worlds, new ideas, and new opportunities. Libraries positively affect language and reading skills and help to improve students’ grades.

Africa, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJune 1, 2023Linda's Libraries, Stu and Linda Ross, Kenya, PCEA

PCEA Church Construction in Kenya — Dedication of PCEA Ol'Moran Church

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) and The Outreach Foundation have enjoyed many years of faithful partnership, building churches in East Africa. PCEA Ol’Moran was recently dedicated with great joy! Stu Ross sent the following news:

After much work and many struggles, the beautiful PCEA Ol’Moran Church was finally dedicated on April 2, 2023. It was worth the effort. The congregation was able to move from this dilapidated mud structure to their beautiful modern stone church. Their old structure could only seat 25 people and was dark with few windows and a mud floor.

Africa, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationMay 24, 2023PCEA Church Construction in Kenya, Kenya

Haiti Outreach Ministries — May 2023 Update

I am pleased to share that our programs in Haiti — the schools, the clinic, the water treatment sites, the churches - remain open and serve the communities, despite the backdrop of insecurity. Construction on the first phase of the Bible College at Espwa is also progressing, truly living up to its name as a campus of hope. Behind all of this work are Haitian staff members who are committed to creating a better tomorrow for their country. I recently asked if they would share — in their own words — what life right now is like, what they want you to know about Haiti today, and how you can specifically offer prayers.

Latin America, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationMay 23, 2023Haiti Outreach Ministries, Haiti

New Church Development in Egypt — May 2023 Update

The Outreach Foundation works closely with Egypt's Pastoral and Outreach Ministries Council of the Synod of the Nile (POMC). The vision of the POMC is to disseminate the gospel in locations where God's Word can be planted, multiply, and bear fruit so that everyone can hear the good news of Jesus Christ. POMC’s Marina Wagdy writes:

Haigazian University — May 2023 Update

Haigazian University is part of the multicultural mosaic that is Beirut, serving students of diverse backgrounds, preparing them to face 21st-century challenges, as they serve in their communities. It intentionally draws in students from lower economic communities and seeks to prepare them for careers that emphasize service and leadership such as teaching, social work, and management.

Middle East, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationMay 18, 2023Haigazian University, Lebanon

Partner Updates