PARTNERS IN PURPOSE - IMMANUEL CHURCH
Immanuel Church: A Legacy of Faith and Service
Summer 2023 team
Pastor Bryan during 2016 trip
Immanuel Church, located at 2300 N. Dilleys Rd. in Gurnee, Illinois, is a Christ-centered community devoted to loving God, loving others, and making disciples.
Washing kids feet 2016
Founded in 1895 by Swedish immigrants, Immanuel Church has a deep-rooted history of outreach and service. Their commitment to global missions is evident through various initiatives, including their partnership with Shepherd’s Little Lambs.
Since 2016, Immanuel Church has supported Shepherd’s Little Lambs by sending teams to witness and participate firsthand in its ministry. To date, they have completed three mission trips, with another planned for this fall. Through efforts like these, Immanuel actively engages its congregation in meaningful service, reflecting its dedication to making an impact both locally and globally.
To learn more about this vibrant community of believers, click HERE.
2016 team
Barry and Bryan digging post holes 2016
2018 Nakuru
2018 team event near Lake Niavasha
AN EXCEPTION to the RULES, an EXCEPTIONAL RESULT - MICHAEL OPEYWA
The little boy we first knew as Michael joined Shepherd’s Little Lambs as a preschooler in 2012. As he grew, Michael struggled academically despite his hard work and extra support. His grades remained low, making traditional education a challenge.
Our primary goal for each student is to help them earn a high school diploma. However, when Michael completed eighth grade, his mother approached us with an unusual request. Rather than pursuing high school, she asked for assistance in enrolling him in vocational training. Michael had demonstrated a natural mechanical aptitude and a love for working with his hands. This request went against our usual practice of guiding students toward high school graduation, making it a significant exception.
Michael would have been a great candidate for Kijabe Practical Garage, our vocational training center. However, he lived in Nakuru—two hours away by car, or half a day by matatu—making that option impractical.
After many discussions with Michael and his mother, we agreed that vocational training was the right path for him. He dedicated himself to his studies, and in December, he sat for his Grade III Light Vehicle Mechanics test. In late January, we received the exciting news—he passed! This is a powerful example of how making an exception to our usual approach can yield exceptional results.
Just this past week, we approved funding to support Michael as he continues his training for more advanced certifications. If you contribute to Shepherd’s Little Lambs, you are a part of Michael’s success story, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
Would you like to be part of someone’s story? Join our support team and make a difference today!
PARTNERS IN PURPOSE: GURNEE COMMUNITY CHURCH
A Kenya Team Ready to Go!
Sharing a special time with our kids at Green Pastures in Kijabe
Gurnee Community Church (GCC), located at 4555 Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee, Illinois, is a vibrant, non-denominational Christian congregation committed to leading people into a growing faith in Jesus Christ. Driven by a deep sense of mission, GCC seeks to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of its neighbors—both near and far—through sacrificial giving of time, energy, and resources.
It looks like craft time.
A key part of this mission is their unwavering support of international ministry partners, including Shepherd’s Little Lambs. In 2012, GCC sent its first team to witness firsthand the impact of our work. With 25 members, it remains the largest team we have ever hosted. Since then, they have continued to send teams every other year, offering hands-on support and encouragement to our staff and students.
We are deeply grateful for the partnership and generosity of Gurnee Community Church. Their commitment reflects the heart of true service, and we are honored to call them Partners in Purpose!
Pastor Chris and Machaa!
Celebrating with good friend Leah Manyara
PARTNERS IN PURPOSE - CHRISTIAN COVENANT FELLOWSHIP
Christian Covenant Fellowship (CCF), located in the heart of Carterville, Illinois, is a vibrant non-denominational evangelical church dedicated to fostering a deeper connection with God, building a community rooted in love, and inspiring transformational life change.
With a mission to serve as "missionaries to the world for God's great glory and their joy," CCF is deeply committed to spreading the message of hope, faith, and grace both locally and globally. This mission extends beyond the walls of the church through their support of impactful initiatives, including Shepherds Little Lambs, which embodies their dedication to serving others in meaningful ways.
To learn more about Christian Covenant Fellowship and their ministries click HERE.
CELEBRATING PARTNERS IN PURPOSE
As we reflect on the journey of 2024, we are reminded of the incredible stories we shared with you through our “Meet the Team Tuesday” series. Each story revealed a common thread of overcoming challenges through God’s unwavering faithfulness. It was a true testament to how lives, transformed by His grace, are now making a profound impact on the children we serve.
What truly sets Shepherd’s Little Lambs apart is that it’s a ministry run by Kenyans, for Kenya’s most vulnerable children. Every member of our team, both on the ground and stateside, is deeply committed to this mission. Here in the U.S., we are blessed to operate with an entirely volunteer staff, and even our parent organization, East Africa Partnership, works on a volunteer basis. This means that when you give, your support goes directly toward nourishing, nurturing, and educating Kenyan children in need.
Our mission is not carried out by a single person but by an incredible community of believers—each one a true Partner in Purpose. As we move into 2025, we are excited to pivot and focus on the incredible communities of faith that have supported Shepherd’s Little Lambs with steadfast dedication.
Next week, we will introduce the first of several churches that embody the spirit of partnership and exemplify what it truly means to be a Partner in Purpose with Shepherd’s Little Lambs.
Stay tuned, and thank you for continuing to walk alongside us in this vital mission!
MEET THE TEAM TUESDAY - BLASTO MAINA
Blasto circa 2005
Blasto Eutychus Maina Ndii was born on 23rd December 1956 in Kijabe to the late Eutychus Ndii and Margaret Wanjiru.
He began his education at Kijabe Primary School in 1962, later transferring to Mai Mahiu Primary School in 1968, where he completed his Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) in 1969. After school, Blasto took up casual jobs with missionaries around Kijabe until 1971, when he enrolled at the Christian Industrial Training Centre in Nairobi. He trained there until 1974, specializing in metal fabrication and basic crafts.
Blasto and a KPG student at Sunday services in Kijabe
In 1975, he was employed as an artisan at Kahawa Military Barracks, where he worked until 1986. That year, he transitioned to Kenya Breweries Limited in Nairobi as a security supervisor. He was later transferred to Mombasa, where he served as the security manager for the manufacturing plant. In 1992, he ventured into entrepreneurship by starting his own security company. However, in 2001, personal challenges prompted him to relocate back to Kijabe.
Blasto married Christine Mwikali in 1988, and they were blessed with three children: Eutychus Ndii (35), Margaret Wanjiru (32), and Sebastian Irugaimukam (30). Due to domestic difficulties, they separated in 2001. Christine later passed away in 2003.
Blasto rocking his Santa beard!
In 2002, Blasto was introduced to Mrs. Barnett by his sister Minnie during a visit to her home. Their friendship grew, and during one of these visits, Blasto learned about the Little Lambs ministry. He visited one of their centers and fell in love with the work they were doing. In 2003, he began actively participating in the ministry.
Today, Blasto serves as the director of KPG and the vice-chairman of the Executive National Board, continuing his commitment to service and leadership.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SHEPHERD'S LITTLE LAMBS
We celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, the most generous gift ever given. It is a privilege to partner with you in ministry as we work to help vulnerable children in Kenya in the name of Jesus Christ.
Everyone at Little Lambs wishes you and your family the very best this Christmas and throughout 2025.
May you experience the peace of Christ this Christmas season!
PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF - CHRISTMAS PARTY IN NAKURU
Today, we had the joy of celebrating Christmas with our Nakuru family. The kids had an incredible time, even though we couldn’t spend as much time as we had hoped. By the time we arrived—just before 2 p.m.—the kids had already enjoyed their delicious meal. I can vouch for how good it was because the meal we had afterward was exceptional.
We had planned to leave Kijabe at 9 a.m. and reach Nakuru by 11 a.m., but our plans were derailed by the worst traffic I’ve ever seen on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Lydia, who lives in Uplands near Kimende, couldn’t even access Kijabe via the main road and had to take a bike along the back paths to reach us. (continued below)
The highway traffic had been at a standstill all morning, and the alternative Mai Mahiu route was in terrible condition due to last night’s heavy rains. Despite the challenges, we were determined not to miss the celebration, so we chose the Mai Mahiu route.
It wasn’t smooth sailing there either. Vehicles got stuck in the muddy patches, causing more delays. Thankfully, a group of young men stepped in to push cars through—for a small fee. Their help was invaluable, but it meant we arrived in Nakuru much later than planned.
Despite the late start, we’re grateful for the time we had with the kids. They entertained us with songs, poems, dances, and memory verses. Local guests joined us, sharing words of encouragement with the kids, staff, and caregivers. Board members also had a moment to speak. As is tradition, we celebrated with cakes and sodas. December babies, including Blasto and me, had the honor of cutting the cake.
The event ended on a high note with caregivers receiving food bags as a gesture of appreciation, and many of them gave heartfelt votes of thanks.
We left Nakuru at 5:45 p.m., and though the traffic was just as bad as in the morning, it was at least moving—slowly. We finally made it home at 11:15 p.m., and I wanted to share this update with you before turning in.
The kids, staff, and caregivers send their deepest gratitude to everyone who made this celebration possible.
A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT GREEN PASTURES
Today, we celebrated Christmas in style at GP, and despite the weather, it was a day to remember! The morning began with chilly, foggy weather that transitioned into light drizzle and eventually a heavy downpour in the afternoon. The rain was so loud that Winfred and I had to pause our addresses to the crowd, but it didn’t dampen the festive spirit.
The kids were in high spirits, enjoying a feast of delicious food, cakes, and plenty of soda. Their laughter and excitement truly captured the magic of the season.
We were honored to have several special guests join us for the occasion. Two local pastors and counselors visited and shared heartfelt words with the gathering. One pastor even delivered an inspiring message for the day. A teacher from Kiambogo addressed the group, and Ejediah also took the time to speak with the children, caregivers, and team members. It was wonderful to see so many of the people who helped us build the retention wall come together to celebrate.
The highlight of the day came when Bernice expressed her gratitude to Little Lambs for their incredible support. Her heartfelt words brought tears to many eyes, including her own. It was a touching reminder of the impact of kindness and generosity.
Our staff members were thrilled with their Christmas gifts, and on their behalf, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made this day so special.
