From the mission field: Project 24 breaks new ground

The Rev. John Kispan (second from right), bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya, takes part alongside other guests in the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Project 24 site in Wamba, Samburu, Kenya. (John Kissinger)

On Jan. 31, Project 24 — an initiative of the LCMS Office of International Mission and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) — broke ground on a new boarding facility for Kenyan children. The initiative serves vulnerable children in Kenya, enabling them to complete primary and secondary school. The children live at a Project 24 boarding facility, a home away from home, while attending primary school. Project 24 children are provided not only with lodging but also with meals, medical care, school supplies, tutoring and spiritual care. It is a safe environment in which to play, learn and grow.

The new facility, in Wamba, Samburu, will be the ninth Project 24 site. Each site is located next to an ELCK church and near a primary school, ensuring the children are surrounded by God’s Word, with daily opportunities for catechesis and worship. The goal is for the children to grow in their faith and in their recognition of God’s forgiveness worked by grace through that faith.

The Jan. 31 groundbreaking was attended by ELCK Bishop Rev. John Kispan and by pastors from the surrounding areas. Also present were the area members of the Kenyan parliament, the facility’s architect and contractor, Project 24 Director John Kissinger, and other community members and guests.

Construction has begun on the new site, and it is expected to be completed in June.

Posted April 11, 2024