On June 12, our team visited the Aka Ndiwa AIC Kavumbu Women’s Empowerment Group, where eight women gathered at AIC Kavumbu Church for a morning filled with fellowship, encouragement, and gratitude. Before the meeting began, the women shared breakfast together, catching up like family—a beautiful reflection of the community God is building among them.
Pastor Dedan opened the day in prayer before leading the group in joyful praise and worship. He then shared from 1 John 3:16, reminding the women that genuine love is demonstrated not only through words, but through actions rooted in truth. Dr. Florah continued the encouragement with a message from Psalm 32, speaking about the freedom found in God’s forgiveness and the joy of walking with a clean heart before Him. Together, these messages set the tone for a day centered on God’s transforming love.
Growing Together in More Than Livestock
The Aka Ndiwa group is made up of 12 widows who faithfully meet every Friday for fellowship, Bible study, and table banking. Table banking is a commonly practiced community- based savings and lending system where members pool resources, make small loans to one another, and build trust and financial stability together. Although the group has experienced the loss of one member and two others have stepped away because of illness, their commitment to one another has only grown stronger.
During their first loan cycle, the women received KSh. 123,000, which they invested in purchasing 30 goats. Through careful management, they sold the goats at a profit and successfully repaid the entire loan.
Today, they are well into their second loan cycle. With a loan of KSh. 202,500, they purchased 45 additional goats that have been distributed among the members’ households. Thanks to healthy breeding, each woman now cares for an average of seven goats, creating valuable assets that continue to strengthen their families’ financial stability.
A Community Transformed by Love
Perhaps the most encouraging part of our visit had little to do with goats.
When asked to describe their group in a single word, every woman responded with the same answer:
“Wendo”—Love.
That simple response tells a powerful story.
The women shared that the project has transformed their relationships with one another. They no longer see themselves as individuals facing hardship alone, but as sisters walking together through life’s challenges. They spoke openly about how they now encourage one another, forgive one another, and provide practical support whenever someone is in need.
One member shared that gossip, which once threatened relationships within the community, has disappeared from the group. Instead, they believe the Holy Spirit has strengthened their unity, making them a testimony to others in their village. Trust has grown so deeply that confidentiality is carefully protected, allowing the women to share openly without fear.
Lives Changed in Practical Ways
The impact of the program extends far beyond financial gain. Several women shared how selling goats has helped meet important family needs.
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Two members were able to pay dowry expenses through the sale of their livestock. Teresiah beamed with joy as she proudly showed the beautiful dress she had purchased with income from the project—a simple purchase that represented renewed dignity and hope. Philomena expressed gratitude for the security her goats now provide.
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That confidence is life-changing for families who previously had few financial resources. The goats continue to provide milk for nutrition, manure for farming, income through sales, and even meat for special family celebrations—blessings that are improving the well-being of entire households.
Looking Ahead
Like many farming communities, the women continue to face challenges. Drought and insect infestations affect pasture, but they are responding proactively through regular deworming and good animal husbandry practices.
The group also expressed a desire to continue learning. Future training in parenting, indigenous chicken farming, and building healthy relationships with sons- and daughters-in-law would help strengthen both their families and their communities.
As the Women’s Empowerment Program progresses, the women also asked an important question about the future of the ministry. They are eager to know what support will look like after completing their third loan cycle, a reflection of how much they value both the program and the relationships they have built through it.
The visit concluded, as it began, around a shared meal and in prayer.
As we left Kavumbu, we were reminded that while goats may provide the means for economic stability, it is Christ’s love that is transforming hearts. The Women’s Empowerment Program is helping women build sustainable livelihoods, but even more importantly, it is cultivating communities marked by faith, trust, forgiveness, and genuine love—one group at a time.
