When our team arrived at Lydia’s homestead in Kajiado on June 10, we were welcomed by more than a meeting—we were welcomed into a community.
Before the women gathered, we visited the group’s beekeeping project and Lydia’s newly renovated poultry house (read her testimony), made possible through grant support from the Women’s Empowerment Program. As members arrived, they shared a meal together before beginning the day’s fellowship.
The meeting opened with a reading from Psalm 105, led by Chairlady Lydia, followed by prayer. Dr. Florah encouraged the women to remain steadfast in prayer and reminded them that while economic empowerment is important, the deepest purpose of the Women’s Empowerment Program is spiritual transformation. She introduced the ACTS model of prayer—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—as a practical tool for strengthening their walk with Christ.
The group then spent time reflecting on both the challenges and victories they have experienced together.
Pressing Forward Through Challenges
The Oloserian group is made up of 21 widows who faithfully gather twice each month for prayer, Bible study, and mutual encouragement. Although they have experienced the heartbreaking loss of two members, they continue to move forward together in faith.
Now in their third loan cycle, the women have invested in several income-generating projects, including beekeeping, sheep, bulls, and poultry.
Not every project has gone as planned.
Disease claimed 16 sheep, forcing the group to make a difficult decision. Rather than giving up, they sold the remaining seven sheep and reinvested the proceeds into two bulls. Today, through careful stewardship, those two bulls have become three—a hopeful sign that their perseverance is bearing fruit.
The group’s beekeeping project has also required patience. Of the ten hives they established, only two have been colonized by bees so far. Rather than abandoning the project, the women continue harvesting small amounts of honey to attract additional colonies. Lydia has faithfully carried much of the responsibility for maintaining the hives while encouraging the group to keep believing the project will grow.
Along the way, the women have faced many obstacles, including livestock disease, delayed income, competing family responsibilities, and even honey badgers damaging their beehives. They are also working through questions about loan contributions following the passing of two group members.
Yet despite these challenges, they remain committed to one another and to the work God has placed before them.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The group’s bull-rearing project has become a source of encouragement. Together, the women share responsibility for feeding and caring for the animals, and the bulls continue to thrive.
They plan to sell the bulls in July, using the proceeds to repay a significant portion of their loan while continuing to build financial stability for their families.
Their journey is a reminder that transformation is rarely without obstacles.
Sometimes growth looks like rebuilding after loss. Sometimes faith means patiently waiting for bees to find a hive or caring faithfully for livestock after disappointment. And sometimes success is simply choosing to keep gathering, praying, and trusting God together.
As the meeting came to a close with prayer, we left encouraged by the resilience of these remarkable women. Through every challenge, they continue to demonstrate that hope grows where faith and community remain strong.
Please pray for the Oloserian Women’s Empowerment Group as they prepare to sell their bulls, continue developing their beekeeping project, and faithfully support one another in the months ahead.
