LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Greetings:
I have been living in Eastleigh for the last ten years, and in these years I have been involved in pastoral work. This is what I can say in a nutshell; Eastleigh is "hard ground" as far as preaching the gospel is concerned. Over three quarters of the population are Somalis, most of whom are Muslim asylum refugees. They have a lot of funding from outside the country; they live in large groups, and thus making the cost of living very high. Because of their access to funds, the cost of piece of land in Eastleigh is now many times above the market rates.
Most of the Somali’s in the community are not receptive to the gospel. They are rather repellent against it, and at times can be violent. In Eastleigh, to get a church going and growing is a big challenge. 90% of the churches around are not permanent, thus making it hard to have effective ministry running. Many times the church I serve in has been challenged to quit and move to a different location. But, the vision is clear and this is what has kept us in Eastleigh—God has been faithful!
One thing has become clear to us; the Somalis may have all the monies they need to buy every piece of land around. But they are missing in one of the most important ingredients in life, and that is the Love of God through His Son Jesus Christ. This is the reason that we are in their midst; this is why we are not quitting; this is why under all circumstances and in any way possible, we must reach them. I believe that this community of people is part of the harvest which must won for Christ, before the end comes.
Your Brother,
Samuel K.
Project Manager
FOH Kenya