Plague of alcoholism and poverty in one Kenyan village led to despair, but Jesus brought freedom and hope

Plague of alcoholism and poverty in one Kenyan village led to despair, but Jesus brought freedom and hope
By Mark Ellis, Special to ASSIST News Service
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (ANS - June 15, 2015) -- In Chepkorio, about four hours northwest of Nairobi by car, one chieftain’s heart was burdened by the curse of alcohol and poverty that racked his small village.
“The chief is a Christian man who has been burdened by the plague of alcohol in his village and the poverty that has driven hundreds of women to brew illegal and dangerous alcohol which they secretly make and sell in their homes,” according to Samuel Teimuge, Kenya director for Empowering Lives International (ELI).
The illegal brewing and alcoholism had been devastating to families. The women said, “We will quit this brewing, but Chief, please help us know how we can feed and educate our children,” Samuel reports.
When Samuel spoke at a meeting the chief organized, he did not expect his audience would number almost 200 people.
He challenged the men and women to choose a new course in life and told the chief to let him know if a few of the women might choose to leave brewing and attend a few days of training at the Ukweli (Truth) ELI Training Center in Ilula.
Three days later a surprised chief called and said, “Samuel, there are more than 100 women who want to come for training! This is a miracle!”
When they arrived on a bright Monday morning, they did not realize that dozens of lives were about to change. “We were expecting 40 women, but there ended up being 44 women and two men. These ‘extra’ villagers made a pleading request, ‘Please do not send us away! We are looking for hope.’”
Their training took place at a 40-bed facility, so several women slept two-to-a-bed rather than miss out.
The first morning Samuel asked them what they were hoping for or expecting. A young woman named Anita raised her hand and said with sincerity, “This week I hope to find salvation.” Several others nodded their heads as well.
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About the writer: Mark Ellis is a senior correspondent for ASSIST News Service and also the founder of www.Godreports.com, a website that shares stories, testimonies and videos from the church around the world to build interest and involvement in world missions.
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