A SOFTER LANDING

December 17, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

Have you ever had a bad nights sleep? Was it stress? Was it illness? Was it a troubled relationship? All of these can interrupt our sleep.

For many of our kids its where they sleep. Specifically it’s often on a dirt floor…

Due to the generosity of one of our donors Shepherd’s Little Lambs is providing every home with a new mattress!

Sleep in heavenly peace…

Everyone helped haul the mattresses to our Kijabe facility for distribution!

Matresses stack in the dining hall for distribution at the Christmas Party!!

YOU ALREADY GAVE - THANK YOU!

December 2, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

We are so grateful for everyone e who has supported the mission of Shepherd’s Little Lambs this past year

Today, on giving Tuesday all we want to say is

Thank You!

Learn more

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Home Safe

November 20, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

The team enjoyed an uneventful journey back to the US with tired bodies and full hearts. Continue to pray for them as they process all they have experienced and decide what it all means for their future.

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Safari Highlight

November 19, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

The team finished up their time in Kenya with a two night safari in the Masai Mara National Park. The highlight of their game drives was this video of a Leopard with a recent kill. Seeing a leopard is rare but this is truly astounding. A National Geographic worthy moment. It’s a two and a half minute video but you must watch to the end.

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 9

November 17, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 15, 2025 - Home visits and travel day

Today is a very important day for our team. We have been welcomed into 6 separate houses for 6 of our newest little lambs students.

A little background of Little Lambs and how they choose their students: when it originally started the national board members would work closely with community member, neighbors, friends and chiefs to identify the children in the most need. These children are often either orphaned being taken care of by a sho sho (grandmother) or other family members and sometimes friends. These student live in very dire conditions and their caregivers are desperate to give their children an education. Now that little lambs has been an operating mission for more than 25 years, word has spread. Machaa now describes the process as people in need seek out little lambs and then little lambs will reach out to the families as we are able to take on more students. God is good!

Today we visited the follow students and some included details of their home life.

Hannah - mother is Rebecca and she has 2 small twin boys ages 2 years 4 months, Hannah age 6 (our little lamb student), and an older sister age 10 and two older siblings not at home. Mother Rebecca requested prayer for provision for her family.

Mary - mother is Miriam and she has 5 children in the house, two are sisters, a brother Sam Victor who is special needs (not currently enrolled in school), Mary (our little lamb). Mother asked for prayer for the education Miriam was denied (she had to stop school at grade 8) and pray for a mentor for older son to take him from boy to man.

Anthony - mother is Rachel, and she has 3 kids (ages 1,3,5). Anthony is oldest.

Alfred - mother is Margaret, she has 5 children in the home, 4 brothers and 1 sister and older brother who is not at home. Mother Margaret requests prayers for older her son in getting a mentor for going from boy to man and housing for the kids through provision of work.

John - mother Milka, and she has Jacob (3) and Ruth (15). She also cares for Mary (5) and John (6; our little lamb). They are brother and sister and are the children of her sister who has passed. Additionally she also cares for one of her neighbors children, Grace (15). Mother Milka requests prayers for peace and provisions of a job, a better home, and mattresses for the children.

Martha - sho sho Martha cares for 5 kids. The mother and father of the kids have left leaving the grandmother to care for them. Sho sho Martha requests that the mother and father are convicted to return and support their children.

It’s hard to make sense of the joyful children at the center when faced with the homes we visited today. But it’s these visits that truly help bring perspective on what is really important in life and highlight the work Little Lambs does and the lives it touches. Life isn’t about extravagance. Life isn’t about material abundance. But connection, to one another and to Christ. These kids have very little materially but are overflowing with love and faith!

And this is where our team leaves you.

Please take a moment with each pictured family and if you are able, pray for them, by name if possible.

We love you all and thank you all for your continued prayers and support during our journey.

When we are back state-side please reach out and ask us more about our experiences. We’d love to share more.

If you want to learn more about little lambs you can read up on it here: https://www.littlelambskenya.com

Immanuel Church 2025 Team - Day 8

November 15, 2025 Doug Gillaspie

November 14, 2025 - Nakuru Center Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel we headed to Nakuru for day two. The primary goals of day two, based on what we completed on day one were:
-finish touch up on classroom
-finishing VBS programming
-end with fun fair and treats
-Bonus: paint the teachers office

And with Gods help we did all that.

The children welcomed us with songs and even pulled a few of us up to join!

Then we transitioned back to the VBS programs still focusing on the theme of forgiveness. Yamille reviewed the wordless book and student were able to come up and talk through the colors. Then after a short review of the verse of the week (Ephesians 4:32), with the direction of Yamille and help from Diana some of the older students performed a short play about the story of Joseph. This time with a short rehearsal, the kids did a wonderful job!

Then the caregivers joined us for the forgiveness demonstration of writing someone or something that has hurt you on a piece of paper and then we burn the paper symbolizing the forgiveness. While this was going on we asked two students to hold stones. One student held a small rock. The other student held a larger stone. After praying for the paper and burning the notes, Debbie drew attention to the two students with rocks. This served as a physical demonstration of the spiritual weight unforgiveness can have in our lives and only be releasing the burden through forgiveness can you load be lightened.

Then we enjoyed a late morning chai and mandazi.

After chai the children performed some dances (full with costume changes), songs and recitation for their caregivers. What a talented bunch! It really is amazing to see the talent of the kids on display. And even more special to see them perform for their caregivers.

Then we broke for lunch and reset for afternoon activities: Fun Fair!

Heidi rounded all those joyful faces up and began another afternoon of sweaty laughter and smiling sunbaked faces. The gunny sack races proved to be as hilarious as they were at Green Pastures. The egg drop was also enjoyed by big and little kids alike and even a few caregivers. Then was the ring toss and this when things really heated up. By the end of the ring toss there was a pretty intense competition among the big kids playing for points. Then the paper plate scramble followed by the grand finale of Machaa target practice. An added bonus was when Heidi and Diana jumped in to give Machaa a reprieve but it only just meant three people got soaking wet!

And again, you may be left wondering what Lynn and Steve were up to. When they weren’t helping with the above program they were actually completing the second coat of paint for the classroom and just as lunch began the decision was made to also paint the teachers accompanying office. And yet again, with their fortitude, determination, and talent with a paint brush and roller, the job was done in short order. The teacher, Jacinta, was very thankful.

Our time together finished with sharing our thanks for Little Lambs, the caregivers, and all that make the day to day things happen for these kids. Goodie bags, stickers, juice, bracelets (for caregivers), and cookies were shared and final pictures and goodbyes.

The evening was a casual dinner and repacking for home visits tomorrow.

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