Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 7

November 14, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 13, 2025 - Nakuru Center Day 1

Today we breakfasted at the hotel before heading to the Nakuru center. Upon our arrival, Machaa was smothered with hugs from the kids and so were we!

Again, the children and teachers welcomed us with songs. And it never ceases to put a smile on our faces.

It was then time for morning chai and the kids also enjoyed porridge.

After their breakfast, as we settled our supplies in and name tags were distributed, two groups of children performed dances. They are all so talented and it’s always fun to see them out those talents on full display.

Then Debbie went into her dental hygiene discussion. The discussion involving questions and answers regarding the function of teeth, what they are made of, and how to keep them healthy. Then each child had disclosure solution put in their teeth (it’s a bright pink oral dye that shows plaque on teeth). Each child was challenged to make sure their teeth were sparkling after brushing off the disclosure solution which included new tooth brushes for all the kids.

Debbie thanked the center for having us and sent along updates on Cindy Richter and Doug Gillaspie, both board members, neither of which were able to come during this trip but were asked about by both teachers and students.

We then began our VBS program. Yamille, again, did an excellent job of introducing the theme of Forgiveness and with the help of Debbie, did the first run through with the kids of the song “My Lighthouse”. After the song, Diana introduced the verse of the trip (Ephesians 4:32).

Then Yamille, with the help of Machaa’s translation, told the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. This time the story was broken up by the introduction of the wordless book. That segued into the kids making the wordless book bracelets from kits the team prepared. They were supplied with one woven bracelet and supplies to make two beaded bracelets. The intent is for the students to wear one and give the other two away as an opportunity to explain the meaning of them.

After the story was completed, the kids had a pre-lunch sweetie (candy) as a demonstration of the “sweetness of forgiveness”.

After lunch, the kids joined Yamille in an impromptu practice of “My Lightbouse” and it was great to see so many catching onto the lyrics and motions!

Then the children colored the coat of many colors coloring page. It was obvious that coloring was not only enjoyed by the little kids but by the older kids as well.

Once all the art was complete, Yamille, Debbie, and Heidi taught the kids how to create colorful rubber band bracelets. Once the skill was learned by the kids they took of with it!

You may be wondering what Lynn and Steve were up to. Well, Lynn spent the morning working closely with one of the teachers, Jacinta, in the classroom. That worked resulted in a pivot of sorts. At Lynn’s inspiration, the decision was made to paint the classroom. Machaa ran out for supplies during lunch and by the time the kids were coloring pages, Lynn, Steve and Diana were painting the classroom.

Though it was uncertain if the room would get completed in the short time before the end of the day, they were able to get one coat on all the walls. Leaving the opportunity for touchups tomorrow.

After we wrapped things up at the center we had a little time back at the hotel, then dinner nearby, and blessing time as a team before we reset for tomorrow and headed to bed.

Tomorrow is Day 2, our final day at the centers, in Nakuru.

Many thanks for Gods perfect timing in a few different things from the number of bracelets kits that were prepared to the ability to paint a classroom. Big and small, God has got it all!

Prayer requests for health as a few team members ares struggling with some congestion and cold-like symptoms. Prayers for the children, teachers, and cooks at Nakuru. It is incredible to see what the center has done with what it has.

Zaidi kesho (more tomorrow),
Debbie, Diana, Heidi, Yamille, Steve and Lynn

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 6

November 13, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 12, 2025 - Travel to Nakuru

Today’s main goal was to travel from Kijabe (rural town) to Nakuru (city). The drive is approximately 2 hours or so.

Before departing however, we stopped at KPG which stands for Kijabe Practical Garage. This garage is the dream realized of Blasto. Its mission is to train up recent Little Lambs graduates from high school, that aren’t pursuing college, in a trade like mechanics or welding. So students of the garage learn from instructors at the garage and are trained up so they can test for certification. Once you have a certification, you can work in practically and garage/welders who is hiring. So in this way, the students are able to support themselves and make a living. The garage is now self sustaining through the work that it performs in Kijabe.

Then we hopped over to “downtown Kijabe”, which is a cute line of duka’s (shops) and across the street is the Kijabe market, where Mama Machaa has worked for years. Machaa looks just like her! After a little (or a lot, depending on who you ask) of souvenir shopping and a soda we were on the road.

After a short drive we stopped for lunch and some grocery/supply/souvenir (more souvenirs!) shopping. With bags heavy, we loaded up and finished the drive to Nakuru. On the way we got to see Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementata, Lake Nakuru, lots of roadside vendors, some baboons, antelopes, and even some pretty zebras.

Once in Nakuru we got checked in to the hotel and had a little down time before dinner. Dinner was at the hotel and it was a great time of conversation, including hearing some of Machaa’s story of how he came to be National Director of Little Lambs and planning for the days ahead at the Nakuru center.

Tomorrow is day 1 at the Nakuru center where we will be repeating our program.

Steve and Lynn shopping at Kijabe produce market

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 5

November 12, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 11, 2025 - Green Pastures Day 2

We woke for a delicious breakfast on our last full day in Kijabe.
Many thanks go out to Lynn who has been a phenomenal help in preparing nearly all of our meals while we’ve been at the guesthouse. We don’t know what we’d do without her!
After breakfast we headed to the center. Today, with the projects completed, we had all team member hands on deck to help with VBS and the Fun Fair. And boy oh boy did we need as many hands a possible today!
We started the morning with the kids greeting through song and dance which is always an amazing way to begin any day. That transitioned into a review of the VBS story through a short play performed with Yamille’s script and props and some (sorta) willing middle school and high school students. And I have to say, without more than a few minutes for each to read their part, everyone did a wonderful job and seemed to have fun, both actors and audience.
We then enjoy our morning chai and medazi while the caregivers of the students arrived and joined in the refreshment.
Once we had a full house of students and caregivers, the Little Lambs students put on a performance for their caregivers. It included recitations of poems, songs, and dances. Each age group performed and all did wonderfully.
The final activity before lunch was a short message about the theme of this week, Forgiveness, and then followed up with a symbolic activity. We passed out slips of paper and asked each person to write down the name of someone who has hurt them or wronged them in some way. They then folded the paper and put it in a pan and then we burned the whole pile as a symbol of letting that hurt go and leaning into forgiveness. It was a great tangible example of forgiveness and it seemed to really break through to both kids and adults alike. Praise God!
The whole group then had lunch of ugali (a sort of corn meal paste), cabbage, and a little meat. As usual it was all delicious, though the ugali isn’t for everyone.
Then it was game on. The whole afternoon was games, games, games. We did a ring toss, an egg drop, and a paper plate scramble. Then there were three-legged and gunny sack races. And the grand finale was squirt-guns aimed at Machaa and other staff members (all good sports).
Then everyone received some juice, cookies, bracelets/bracelet kits, and goodie bags. The excitement of the kids was palable. The caregivers were grateful. And hearts were full and thankful to God for all that had been accomplished. Not only for our little team, but by the Shepherds Little Lambs mission as a whole. Each person from student, teacher, director, board member, cook, groundskeeper, security guard, caregivers and beyond, who show up everyday demonstrate their faithfulness to God and the mission in place to educate both traditionally and spiritually.
To close out an amazing day, we were blessed to visit the new home of Machaa and Grace. It is a stones throw from the Green Pastures property and affords the kids, Janelle (9) and Elsa (5) space to run around, Grace to garden, and Machaa close proximity to the Center. We are so thankful that they shared their home with us! And are excited for what the future brings for them!
Now we prepare for another day of travel to Nakuru tomorrow.
Requesting prayers for safety while traveling, continued health, and restoration as we prepare to repeat our program at the Nakuru center.
Praising God for the amazing people who have dedicated their lives to secure the futures of these wonderful kids!

Hadi Kesho (until tomorrow),
Debbie, Diana, Yamille, Heidi, Lynn and Steve

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 4

November 11, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 10, 2025 - Green Pastures Day 1

We had a later start this morning and were picked up around 9:30 to head to the first of two centers supported by Shepherds Little Lambs called Green Pastures.

We were greeted by a bright smiling crowd of children, songs of welcome and praise filling their mouths. Every time the children and teachers greet us in this way, it is such a special and humbling experience.

After our greeting, we enjoyed a breakfast chai and mandazi (a sweet fry bread) before beginning our projects and programs.

For projects, we had Lynn working with the center teacher (mwalimu), Ms. Patience. Lynn brought a lot of great classroom supplies including a hand made alphabet that is prominently displayed in the classroom now. Steve and Diana worked on regarding curtains through the school and by the end worked like a well oiled machine.

For program, we started with a little dental health display from Debbie. She was a dental hygienist before retiring so clean teeth are close to her heart. All the kids walked away with clean teeth and a new tooth brush. Then Yamille, with critical help from Heidi, began her VBS program.

Everytime Immanuel sends a team they have a theme for the Bible lessons given at the centers. The theme for this year’s team is “Forgiveness” and Yamille’s lesson centered around the story of Joseph, his coat of many colors and his story of forgiveness. She opened by teaching the students a few songs which the kids really enjoyed. Then they reviewed the Bible verse for the week:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

We took a break for a lunch of rice, lentil stew, and cabbage before continued on our respective missions.

Yamille finished the day by sharing the full story of Joseph, from the betrayal of his brothers to the redemption of his family through forgiveness.

We bid the students farewell for the day and headed back to the guesthouse to reset for tomorrow’s programming.

We are thankful for the experiences we had today and look forward to tomorrow. Again we are thankful for each of your support provide for us!

We ask for prayers that as the week continues God speaks to each of our hearts and through our actions exemplify Him.

Kwaheri kwa sasa (Goodbye for now),

Debbie, Diana, Heidi, Yamille, Steve and Lynn

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 3

November 10, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

Machaa, his wife Grace, and their two girls Janelle (9) and Elsa (5)

November 9, 2025 - Sunday in Kijabe

This morning we started our Sunday with a church service at the AIC Kijabe Church. A lot of great worship’s songs and a strong message about the holy trinity.
After church we took a short break and then lunched at the RVA (Rift Valley Academy) and enjoyed an extensive tour of Kijabe.
Upon returning back to the guesthouse we got to work unpacking the 7 team suitcases and got to sorting. After about 5 hours of assembling goodie bags, bracelet kits, repacking bags of supplies that will serve Little Lambs in the future, and get all the supplies ready for our first day at Green Pastures tomorrow, meanwhile prepping dinner for tonight and some of the meals to come, we finally called it a night.
We are ready to meet the kids tomorrow!
With love,
Debbie, Diana, Heidi, Yamille, Steve and Lynn

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 2

November 9, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 8, 2025 - Nairobi day
This morning we congregated for breakfast at 8:30 and met up with two of Little Lambs partners, Blasto and Machaa. Blasto loaded up a van with an obscene amount of luggage and headed straight to Kijabe.

Machaa escorted us throughout Nairobi for the remainer of the day. It started with a tour the Kazuri bead factory. The factory was started by two women whose goal it was to teach single mothers how to support themselves through jewelry making. The factory now supports over 50 women. The beads are made from Kenyan clay from Mount Kenya. The clay is treated with talc and silica then pressed resulting in a smooth ceramic clay. The beads are then formed/shaped by hand, dried, kiln-fired, hand-glazed, and kiln-fired again. Resulting in a shiny and beautiful bead. They are then strung into necklaces, bracelets, earrings etc. and sold.

After Kazuri, we headed to the Giraffe Centre. Here we learned about the conservation efforts made by the center and got to hand feed some of our long necked friends. They really are one of Gods most interesting creatures, with their stilt legs and elongated necks!

After the giraffes we had a speed run lunch before quickly stopping at a Masaii market/grocery shopping.

Our final stop of the day was to see Joel Rintari, a local glass etching artist. He shared some of his story with the group of how he came to learn the skill of glass etching. He now continues to do great work, not only producing his own art but in training others in the craft. His goal is to have his own shop one day and his own school to teach. Right now his back yard serves at his workshop and he teaches students as he can with what he has.
Finally we headed towards Kijabe, the home of one of the Shepherds Little Lambs centers called Green Pastures. Machaa did an excellent job getting us to the guesthouse after dark (Thank you Machaa!. After getting settled and saying hello to the 12 others sharing the guesthouse (which was a little surprise) we enjoyed a classic Kenyan meal from Mama Chikus (somosas, beans, cabbage, rice, beef stew, and chapati…yum) and reflected on our day.
We are so thankful for all of you! Thank you for supporting each of us and praying for us as our journey continues.

We ask for continued prayers for safety and good health. We ask for continued prayers for those who are giving up their time to care for, guide, and translate for our group this week. We ask for continued prayers that each of us be pushed and challenged this week and that we remain open to being useful in all circumstances.
Tomorrow is a day for church, fellowship, and preparations for the week ahead at the centers. So much more to come!

With love,
Debbie, Diana, Heidi, Yamille, Steve and Lynn

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 1

November 8, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 6-7, 2025

Travel Day 1 - Kenya or bust!

Today was the day! Today the team met at Immanuel Church before heading to O’hare. Once at the airport we were met if our first snag. Unfortunately it resulted in our much loved Barry Tumblin not being able to join us on our journey. As you can imagine there is disappointment across the team and we all miss Barry’s presence. However, we are thankful for all those that pursued every avenue in an attempt to resolve the travel issues.

The rest of the team was able to check-in, check bags, get through security and ready themselves for the first leg of almost 24 hours in of travel.

The first flight went smoothly and the layover in Frankfurt, Germany was simple. We left from the same gate that we had arrived from. It was enough time to shop, eat, and nap (depending of what was desired).

Second flight through to Nairobi, Kenya also went smoothly, as did Immigration and luggage security. The only snag was our transport to the hotel. But after a delay we all safely made it to the hotel and our rooms to catch a solid 6 hours of sleep before the start of our first day on the ground in Kenya.

Thank you all for your prayerful support! We can’t wait to share what God will do this week!

With love,

Deb, Diana, Heidi, Yamille, Steve, and Lynn

PARTNERS IN PURPOSE - GREAT LAKES CHURCH

April 16, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

We are thrilled to introduce a brand-new Little Lambs supporting church—Great Lakes Church (GLC) in Kenosha, Wisconsin! GLC was founded in a theater in 2009. Since then, they’ve moved several times and have now found a more permanent home in the Kenosha Trade Park.

Great Lakes Church’s mission is “Helping People Find and Follow Jesus.” They are deeply committed to reaching their local community and also embrace a global vision through their “Here, Near, and Far” mission strategy. Shepherd’s Little Lambs was recently adopted as one of their “Far” partners.

A portion of their Christmas offering was designated for Little Lambs—and it became the largest single gift ever given to this work!

We are incredibly grateful for this new “Partner in Purpose" and are looking forward to a “Vision Trip” to Kenya with them this fall. To learn more about this vibrant community of faith, [click here].

Welcome to the fold, GLC—and thank you for your generous support!

PARTNERS IN PURPOSE - IMMANUEL CHURCH

March 25, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

Immanuel Church: A Legacy of Faith and Service

Immanuel Church, located at 2300 N. Dilleys Rd. in Gurnee, Illinois, is a Christ-centered community devoted to loving God, loving others, and making disciples.

Founded in 1895 by Swedish immigrants, Immanuel Church has a deep-rooted history of outreach and service. Their commitment to global missions is evident through various initiatives, including their partnership with Shepherd’s Little Lambs.

Since 2016, Immanuel Church has supported Shepherd’s Little Lambs by sending teams to witness and participate firsthand in its ministry. To date, they have completed three mission trips, with another planned for this fall. Through efforts like these, Immanuel actively engages its congregation in meaningful service, reflecting its dedication to making an impact both locally and globally.

To learn more about this vibrant community of believers, click HERE.

AN EXCEPTION to the RULES, an EXCEPTIONAL RESULT - MICHAEL OPEYWA

March 12, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

The little boy we first knew as Michael joined Shepherd’s Little Lambs as a preschooler in 2012. As he grew, Michael struggled academically despite his hard work and extra support. His grades remained low, making traditional education a challenge.

Our primary goal for each student is to help them earn a high school diploma. However, when Michael completed eighth grade, his mother approached us with an unusual request. Rather than pursuing high school, she asked for assistance in enrolling him in vocational training. Michael had demonstrated a natural mechanical aptitude and a love for working with his hands. This request went against our usual practice of guiding students toward high school graduation, making it a significant exception.

Michael would have been a great candidate for Kijabe Practical Garage, our vocational training center. However, he lived in Nakuru—two hours away by car, or half a day by matatu—making that option impractical.

After many discussions with Michael and his mother, we agreed that vocational training was the right path for him. He dedicated himself to his studies, and in December, he sat for his Grade III Light Vehicle Mechanics test. In late January, we received the exciting news—he passed! This is a powerful example of how making an exception to our usual approach can yield exceptional results.

Just this past week, we approved funding to support Michael as he continues his training for more advanced certifications. If you contribute to Shepherd’s Little Lambs, you are a part of Michael’s success story, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

Would you like to be part of someone’s story? Join our support team and make a difference today!

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