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Our women were thrilled to receive cards from the Chilliwack women. They felt loved♥️. Grace LOVES her tank! This saves her hours of walking to the river!

Early this morning, we headed to the Nairobi National Park for a safari and what an unforgettable experience it was! From the moment we entered, we were in awe of God’s wonderful creation. We saw hyenas, hippos, zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, warthogs, and so much more. Each animal reminded us of the Lord’s amazing handiwork and creativity. After the safari, we visited a local mall for some shopping and enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Later in the afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to Everlyn. It was hard to part ways—she has been such a joy to be with. We are deeply thankful for all she does for our dear widowed friends and their families. Till we meet again, Everlyn, God bless you and keep you! We returned to our hotel a bit early, grateful for the time to rest, organize, and pack for our journey home tomorrow. As we reflect on these past two weeks, our hearts are full of gratitude. God has been so good to us, and we pray for His continued protection as we travel home. Written by Sue

Our day began at 4:45 a.m. as we needed to drive from Siaya to Kisumu to catch our 7:30 a.m. flight to Nairobi. Before leaving Siaya, we said goodbye to Gerald and Lydia. Gerald is painting a school there, and it was a blessing to have them join our team for a short time. Once we landed in Nairobi, we had breakfast and then headed straight into their busy traffic to get to Shiphrah House. Our time at Shiphrah House was full of joy. The children loved the Daniel craft, and even the older ones joined in. Their singing, poems, and Christian songs were wonderful to hear. KFC was a special treat, and it was touching to see how kindly the older children cared for the younger ones. What a blessing to see them being raised in the gospel. We ended with worship, a story, and encouraging Bible verses with Martha and the staff. Later, we visited Amani, where Dorcus gave us a meaningful tour and shared the inspiring story of how the ministry began. The day ended with a wonderful surprise visit from Najel—a boy we once knew from the Kisumu area who has grown into a remarkable young man of faith. He has written a book and achieved so much from humble beginnings. Seeing him again was a true encouragement. At the end of the day, we had to say goodbye to Mary. It was sad to part ways—she has such a caring, gentle way with the widows, and we loved getting to know her. A long but beautiful day, rich with people, stories, and God’s quiet blessings. Written by Sue and Jen

November 9, 2025 Written by Jane Bringing food to our women’s homes in beautifully sewn bags, lovingly made by a group of talented women from Chilliwack. This morning started off beautifully with a yummy breakfast before we headed to church for the 8:30 service. Pastor Charles shared a powerful message on prayer from Psalm 20, and it couldn’t have been more fitting for our team—especially since our theme for this year’s trip is prayer. It was such a blessing to be reminded of the strength and peace that come from lifting everything to God. After church, we set out for our widow visits. Each stop was filled with warmth, singing, and joy—many “Praise the Lords” and heartfelt “Amens” echoing through the homes. We were also joined for the day by Gerald and Lydia, who are currently in the area painting a school, and it was wonderful to have them alongside us for the visits. The widows welcomed us with open hearts, and it was such a privilege to share in worship and encouragement together. We also had the joy of handing out food packages, lovingly packed into the beautiful cloth bags made by our Canadian sisters—a simple but meaningful reminder of the love and connection that stretches across continents. We ended the day a little earlier than usual, which gave us time for a more in-depth debrief as a team. It was a meaningful way to reflect on what God is doing through each visit and how He continues to shape our hearts in prayer and service. It truly was a Sunday full of joy, gratitude, and the sweet presence of God.

Written by Diane and Deb Today we had the pleasure of visiting eight of our widows, and along the way we made a special stop at the equator. Mary Mary is a 65-year-old widow, a devoted mother of eight (two deceased), and a loving grandmother caring for six of her seven grandchildren. Despite many hardships—including the loss of her son Peter, whose life was taken by his wife, and another daughter-in-law who disappeared with several grandchildren—Mary faithfully tends her crops and provides for her family. Helen Helen is a 42-year-old widow and devoted mother of six. Quiet and hardworking, she faithfully cares for her children and provides for her family. Helen makes and sells charcoal to help support her household and tends a thriving kitchen garden with several chickens and about 80 trees. Despite facing challenges—including dental issues and concerns about one child’s declining school performance—Helen continues to trust God for provision and strength . Grace Grace shared her moving testimony of how she walked a lonely road as a widow, carrying the heavy burden of providing for her children and grandchildren—making sure they were fed, clothed, and educated. All the while, she battled a painful, growing tumour in her abdomen that made even simple tasks, like sitting or working, a daily struggle. In her weariness, she felt forgotten—as though God had turned away. But God had not forgotten her. In His perfect time, He reached out with love and mercy, bringing her the care, medical help, and educational support her family so desperately needed. Joyce Joyce is a happy, humble, and thankful woman. She has four adult children and five grandchildren living with her. Despite many challenges, Joyce remains joyful and steadfast in faith. Her oldest daughter faces ongoing health struggles, and Joyce continues to care for her and her grandchildren with deep devotion. During our visit, we had the joy of holding her adorable great-granddaughter—a sweet reminder of God’s faithfulness through the generations. Maureen Maureen is a beautiful, happy, and godly 36-year-old widow. We arrived on a peaceful, cool morning as birds chirped around her home. Maureen was busy fertilizing her fields when we arrived. Recently, her cows were stolen, causing her great anguish, yet she continues to trust the Lord’s goodness. A dedicated community health worker, Maureen lovingly cares for her four children and her brother’s three children. Elizabeth Elizabeth is a 32-year-old widow—a soft-spoken, happy, and godly woman. When we arrived, her clothesline was full of freshly washed clothes, showing she had already worked hard that morning. Elizabeth shared how God answered her prayers through VOH, using His servants to bless her family with a new home and schooling for her children. Margaret Margaret is a 73-year-old quiet, godly woman with a heavy heart. She worries deeply for her grandchildren after the passing of their father. Having buried her husband and five children, Margaret still mourns these losses. Yet during our visit, she was surrounded by her grandchildren—a beautiful picture of love and faithfulness amid sorrow. Millicent Millicent welcomed us into her beautiful neat and tidy yard.  She is new to our program.  Although she is not a widow, she was left destitute and in dire need of help. She was living in a thatched roof home that was falling apart and holes in the roof. Has a new home built by VOH last year.  She asked us to remember others around her that need help as well.   Equator 2025 Grace Mary Lydia and the kids Joyce

Today was a day of goodbyes, hellos, and many emotions. We started off the day by going to a school in Kakamega to do our second hygiene teaching for both boys and girls. The boys and girls were so receptive to the teaching, and you could see on their faces that they were engaged and enjoying hearing what we had to say. When we finished teaching, the teachers expressed their thanks for us coming and spending time with the children and welcomed us back anytime. We then headed back to the compound to pack up all of our suitcases to head to Siaya. It was an emotional moment for everyone as we said goodbye to some of the team that we were leaving in Kakamega. Together we sang songs and finished with a wonderful prayer. Tears were flowing as it felt like leaving family. We all said, "Tuto aonana Mungu akipenda," which is Swahili for "We will meet again, God willing." When we arrived in Siaya and met up with the team, it was smiles all around as we hugged and welcomed each other. We had time for a few visits, so the team split up into two groups and was able to visit both Rosalita and Monica. Each time we visit the widows, they encourage us as much as we encourage them. It was then time to head back and settle in so that we can prepare for all of the adventures to come. Goodbye Kakamega, and hello Siaya. Written by Jen Boy’s Teaching: Being a godly young man Girls Teaching Time to move to Siaya

Today was another full and beautiful day in Kenya. We began under bright sunshine as we headed to Flora’s home, where we were welcomed with open arms. The women there are incredibly strong, yet so kind to let us try our hand at mudding their home. What a privilege to learn from them. We also had the joy of meeting Flora’s sweet grandchildren, Maryanne and Jacob, whose smiles could brighten any day. From there we traveled to Arise & Shine School, where the children stole our hearts the moment we arrived. Our craft time was enjoyed by all—teachers included! Their singing was a delight, filling the room with joy. We shared the story of Daniel in the lions den, reminding the children of Daniel’s courage to pray to God even when the king commanded him not to. As the afternoon went on, the weather changed dramatically. Clouds rolled in, followed by strong wind, pounding rain, and loud thunder. What began as a beautiful sunny morning turned into a fierce storm, making the already muddy roads even more difficult to pass. Despite the weather, we continued with our widow visits. Each home humbled us deeply. These dear women work with incredible strength and perseverance, often with very little. Many are raising their grandchildren—and today we even visited a widow who is also caring for her great-grandchildren. Their courage and resilience left a deep impression on each one of us. It was a busy day, but our hearts are truly full. Even in the storms—both weathered and witnessed—we saw God’s faithfulness, joy in the small things, and the beauty of serving alongside such remarkable women and children. The natural beauty of Africa was also amazing today. The green fields and meadows, the blue sky and even the thunder and downpour were thrilling. Written by: Sue & Carol

Grand 7,8 and 9 boys teaching — how to be a godly young man.

We started the morning being woken up by the neighborhood rooster — a fitting start to another full day here in Kenya! After a quick breakfast, we headed to a local school where our team had the privilege of teaching the boys about what it means to be a godly man. Meanwhile, others shared with the girls about being women of God and talked about personal hygiene. Each student received a Bible and a backpack filled with a few small goodies — something that brought many smiles and a lot of excitement. After our time at the school, we spent part of the afternoon visiting our widows. These visits are always humbling and deeply meaningful, as we get to listen, encourage, and pray with each one. Their faith and joy, even in difficult circumstances, continue to inspire us. Later, we had the fun opportunity to visit Pamela’s home to learn how to cook a local meal. If we’re being honest, we did more watching than actual cooking — but it was amazing to see their creativity and skill as they prepared everything over a wood-burning rocket stove. The experience gave us a new appreciation for their resourcefulness and the beauty of simple, shared moments. Written by Deb and Diane

Carol cooking the cabbage dish, feeding the fire like a pro. Chapatis being prepared. Delicious, uniform and crafted with expertise. Our cooks: Mary and Violet. Sue and Lisa being resourceful cutting vegetables…no cutting boards, tables or sharp knives.

The day started with gardening at Alice’s house. Alice is a sweet lady with a smile that lights up the room. We came to her house to help her weed the kale she planted in her garden.While working, it’s hard not to be humbled by the realization that women in Kenya care for their gardens all by themselves, while we had a group of eight women working on one plot that they would normally tend to alone. It makes you stop and realize just how wonderfully strong these women are.After we finished at Alice’s, we came back to clean up and prepare for widow visits. We had four visits today, with the team splitting into two groups. It’s always nice to see how thankful and open each widow is as we come into their homes to share scripture and sing.We then ended our day with an invitation to a spiritual group. The group was led by Pastor Felisters, who preached on Psalm 103. It’s evident how much these ladies support one another. This is a safe place where they can pray together, sing together, and lean on each other through prayer requests. When they pray, it is so powerful and uplifting. They tell us it’s an honor to have us come to their group, when really, it’s our honor to be invited.To finish the day, our team walked to deliver a kettle to Rose, who is now an alumna of the Voice of Hope program. Rose was so thankful as she told us that she did not own a kettle, and her smile radiated through the dark house. On our walk back to the compound where we’re staying, we got caught in some Kenyan rain. By the time we arrived back, we were all laughing so hard it was clear that this group is growing stronger and closer with each passing day.God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. Written by Jen Yvonne got her new wheelchair!

Today was Ladies Day, and what a joy-filled day it was! Our hearts overflowed as we gathered with our dear widowed friends to share this year’s theme “prayer”. A reminder that the Lord invites us to bring every need, tear, and hope to Him. Dr. Isaac joined us to teach practical health skills for caring for children, grandchildren, and neighbors, sparking many thoughtful questions. Simon, our Agriculture teacher, shared about the women’s work with soybeans, encouraging others to plant and sell them. A few ladies shared their success stories and the impact of what they’ve learned. We also celebrated a mini graduation for those moving into the alumni group, gifting them kettles. Lunch was a delight. Nasi, juice, and ice cream were enjoyed with laughter and fellowship. We arrived under warm sunshine and ended under heavy rain, a beautiful reminder of God’s power and grace. Afterward, our team split into two groups to visit more widows in their homes. Listening, praying, and encouraging. Our hearts are full tonight, grateful for every prayer, question, hug, and glimpse of God’s love among these beautiful women. Written by Sue and Jane