July has been a month of movement and miracles. We’ve just returned from an unforgettable trip to Kenya, and we couldn’t wait to share the stories of hope, faith, and community with you. These stories are proof that the Gospel is alive and active in the hearts of those we serve.
Foundations for Hope leadership, alongside mission partners from First Baptist Church Opelika, traveled to Kenya to witness and participate in the life changing work God is doing through our local partners and initiatives. From evangelism to sustainable development, the Spirit moved in powerful ways. The following paragraphs offer a glimpse of what we experienced.
Jesus Harvesters Agape Bible College
The Jesus Harvesters Agape Bible College has officially been dedicated, and the ceremony to commemorate it’s opening was described by our Founder, Randy Treglown, as “A spiritual milestone,” and “a visible answer to years of prayer, sacrifice, vision, and obedience”. We were honored to be part of this day.
The ceremony was attended by men and women who have been a part of the work of this miracle for years, as well as the first class of students to walk in this God given vision. In attendance was the leadership of Agape Fellowship Center, the family of the late Steve Kabachia, the founding Bishop of Jesus Harvesters, local government leaders and officials.
The dedication of the college was a sacred moment, solidifying our shared mission to raise workers for the harvest. During our time at the Bible College, we not only celebrated the opening of the college, but we had the opportunity to worship with, pray with, and learn from students and staff of JHABC.
Village Update
While in country, we were able to visit Apriki, Kenya, where eleven months ago a church was planted, a fresh water well provided, and a community served through medical missions and evangelism. During that trip, we saw lives forever changed with the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we returned to find an entire community forever changed. Faith is flourishing, families are thriving, and hope is alive.
The clean water provided through the fresh water well is being used to keep a community healthy and thriving. Not only is the water being used to sustain livestock, but also to promote small scale agriculture. Most importantly, the families of the village can drink clean water. Because of this provision, disease outbreak has been drastically reduced, and the burden of traveling to fetch even contaminated water, has been removed.
The discipleship program that was launched before the church plant is still ongoing and growing. From this discipleship, the consistent presence of the church, and the work of the Holy Spirit, we found members of the community, not just surviving, but living the abundant life Jesus promises. In return, these believers are changing the lives of those around them. We witnessed an example of this miracle watching the women of the village actively engaged in a mercy project for a family in a neighboring village!
Looking Forward
There is so much to look forward to! Part of our recent trip was spent visiting Ompolion, the location of a future church plant. In Ompolion, we joined the launch of their Discipleship Program, sowing seeds of long-term discipleship and church growth.
We were also present as drilling took place for the fresh water well that will be provided to the community. This water will not only provide a critical resource, but it will stand as a tangible symbol of God’s provision. Last, but certainly not least, we were able to share the Gospel, and recorded 27 salvations! May we never take for granted what it means for one soul to come to Christ, and the urgency of His message.
Our travel also included visiting the home of the second Bible College, and we were able to explore opportunities for fish farming and agriculture at the JHABC sites. These projects are part of our commitment to equip the ministry for long-term sustainability. We are grateful to members of First Baptist Church Opelika, for providing their expertise in this area and joining us in all that God did during our week in country. Jeff Terhune, a member of FBO, shared the following:
“My trip with F4H was one of the most inspiring events I have ever experienced. To see how God has and is working through this organization and its partners has shown how often we limit God and what He desires. This trip was incredible, to see how the love of Jesus is being shared, and lives and communities are being changed.”
None of this would be possible without your faithful support and prayers. Every gift, every prayer, and every step of partnership makes room for the Gospel to flourish.
Speaking of support, we would love to see you at one of this year’s F4H 5K Events! The JHA Bible College, and the miracle of Apriki, was made possible through the support of previous 5K events. We want to reach as many people as possible with the miracle of the Gospel. Join us this year in either Lexington, Kentucky, or Trussville, Alabama. You can register below and be a part of all that God is doing.
Foundations 4 Hope 5K – Trussville
Foundations 4 Hope 5K – Kentucky
Until next month, we bless you and all God is doing in and around you.
Blessings,
F4H Team