Hey guys,

Today’s Well Done Wednesday features a really cool ministry that I just recently learned about. Agape Children’s Ministry began in 1993 in Kisumu, Kenya. It was founded by Darla Calhoun who was working as a nurse in community health in villages and small towns around Kisumu. She always saw little boys when she came to town for supplies. They were hungry, dirty and desperate, and she knew she was the one who needed to do something about it.

She started out by giving them bags of peanuts and pieces of soap to bathe with. Naturally, the more children she helped, the more flocked to her. Eventually, she rented a house, hired a guard and a cook and took in 5 boys off the streets to come live in “Agape”. By 1995, she had 16 boys. Today, there are three main campuses, operated by a Kenyan staff of more than 70 people, including teachers, guards, cooks, administrative personnel and parents.

They are able to reach scores of young boys through several different means:

Main Campus | This is a 1.5-acre campus with two dorms and 96 beds. The primary goal is to rescue hurting boys off the streets and show them  the redeeming love of Christ. The boys go through a three-week transition class, devotionals, weekly worship services and are led by a staff that values discipleship. This ministry is not long-term, but rather helps the children get reintegrated into their families and homes.

The Farm | This 10-acre farm is a vocational training center where boys can learn and study either masonry, carpentry or mechanics and learn about agriculture at the same time. It’s overseen by missionaries and run by 17 Kenyan nationals. It allows the boys an escape from crazy city life, they are tutored in their academics, study their trade and continue to be discipled in their faith.  To see these boys off the street and loving their academics and learning a trade is a really cool thing. Check out the link for more info.

Agape Girls | A very new branch, Agape Girls was opened in 2012 and is working to help girls in Kenya get off the streets and restore their lives. They go through a process of reintegration that is similar to the boys’ program. While new, this branch is growing and is definitely awesome. Click the link for more info.

Another really cool thing that I encourage you to check out is Gifts of Hope. You can purchase hand-made ornaments or simple e-cards and select the amount of money you want to give. Christmas is right around the corner and you have the opportunity bless many different people with a gift like this. Click the link to check out the gift catalog or see the numerous ways you can get involved with this ministry.

This is an incredible ministry full of good people doing good things for good reasons. I hope you’ll take a look at all they’re doing, and all they’re going to do.

Cheers,

Allison