Building a Strong & Empowered Community

Iftin Women's Conference

Building a Strong & Empowered Community

Earlier this week, we ended the year in Eastleigh with a day long conference that looked at six pillars for building a strong and empowered community in Eastleigh. Along with speakers from the Kenyan government, GTZ, the national self help group organization, and St. Paul's University, the members of the various Iftin projects shared in cultural songs, poetry and dance.

Our friends Willem and Nirmal

at the Eastleigh Conference

(Nirmal serves in Southern India with our Canadian Baptist partners in Hyderabad where he is a lecturer at the Baptist seminary. He is in Kenya attending Carey Theological College's doctoral program, with Aaron, in Mitaboni)

Frodosa showing off some of her jewelry

from the Noor Creations project

The District Officer for our section of Nairobi, addressing issues of security for Muslim refugees living in Eastleigh

Over 200 Somali women and youth participated

in Thursday's conference at the Eastleigh Community Centre.

We are so thankful for the hard work of Laura Muema

and the organizing committee for their efforts

in making this day a success!

Our friend Willem, from Saint Paul's University, presenting on the importance and practicalities of Building Bridges between Muslim and Christian neighbours in Eastleigh.

Sheik Abdi Nassar sharing about the importance of mutual respect and understanding between Christians and Muslims. It was a very exciting day as such a diverse group came together in cooperation and partnership!

St. Paul's University

Aaron in Eastleigh with Joseph Wandera and

Willem Jansen from St. Paul's University, Limuru

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of introducing two faculty members of St. Paul's University to the Iftin Women's Empowerment Program and the ministry of the Eastleigh Community Centre. Joseph and Willem are both teachers in the Muslim and Christian Relations Department at this ecumenical University. Together, they are seeking ways to build a practical component into the theoretical course work of St. Paul's Islamic studies. Joseph has been working with local Muslim Imans in interfaith dialogue and with Willhem, they are hoping to establish a strong connection with the university and the Eastleigh community.

Erica with the students at the Eastleigh

Community Centre's Preschool Program

As part of our morning together, we took the guys through the rowdiest part of Eastleigh -- the community centre's kindergarten!

The preschool kids were especially full of energy...

...they all wanted a chance to play with Erica's golden hair. I'm sure some of the little boys took handfuls with them, but Erica didn't flinch. They giggled, petted & brushed her hair until the teacher called them back to class.

Please pray for Joseph and Willem as they discern how best to integrate their program into the Eastleigh community. May God honour their heart for the Muslim community, and their desire to build bridges of understanding.