2023 | He Calls His Own Sheep by Name

“He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out... He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice.” John 10:3-4

Imagine waking up before the sunrise, putting on your shoes, and heading outside to open the gate for your goats, sheep and cows to graze. The animals where you live do not graze in a safe, green field, but out in a dry land where they have to search for edible grasses, and you have to remain alert for wild African animals. As a young boy, Hezron’s life was all about taking care of his father’s animals. This was all this young boy knew, and as far as he could see, this would be his entire life.

Staff of Hope was founded in 2001. Traditionally, Maasai boys would grow up tending their father’s animals and the girls would fetch water, cook, and maintain the house. In 2004, Staff of Hope began meeting with the Maasai elders and chiefs to encourage them to see the value of a good education for their children. By 2007, through many wonderful donations, Staff of Hope founded Oloile Secondary School on the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

It was at this point Hezron’s life intersected with Staff of Hope. Hezron’s father allowed this young man to go to school at Oloile. In addition to learning the foundations of math, science, and language, Hezron also attended the Christian club at the school being mentored by Christian teachers. After being one of the first to graduate from Oloile, Hezron experienced God’s call to go to Bible college.

Today, Hezron has returned home and is the pastor of a local church not far from Oloile Secondary School. He now pastors many in the community who have children that are currently attending Oloile school. From being a student, to a pastor, Hezron no longer shepherds goats, but a community of Christian believers, one of those includes Moses’ brother, Tyson, Director of Operations for all of Staff of Hope’s ministries in Kenya.

This is but one heartwarming story of the Christian impact that continues to go on in east Africa where Staff of Hope has been ministering since 2001.

For people to be in a place to hear the Gospel, the foundational needs of life need to be met. Just as we feel the effects of inflation here in the USA, it’s even more challenging to make ends meet in Kenya.

We are thankful for the faithful service of our teachers who guide the students at Oloile. Our students continue to maintain high grades and many of our graduates move on to receive a higher education degrees. We run our school in such a way that along with the education aspect we provide opportunities for growth in their Christian faith. We have Christian club and Bible studies for both the boys and girls. We also offer elective classes on the Bible and Christianity.

Staff of Hope continues to farm on our campus, allowing our students and teachers healthy options. Any vegetables grown that our school does not consume are sold in the market, helping our community while generating an income for the school.

Oloile Secondary has the largest computer lab in three counties. Our laptops enable us to teach these students from the rural areas much needed computer skills. We currently have 118 students.

Please prayerfully consider making a financial gift, to help our neighbors in East Africa to be more self-sufficient. Monetary contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by the law. For your convenience we have enclosed a preaddressed envelope to mail in your donation. Please consider giving not only an annual gift but also making a recurring gift online. Please share this letter about Staff of Hope with your church, school, or business.

Please consider the impact your gift will make:

• $5 Chickens to help families to be self-sustaining
• $10 Planting vegetables at our school
• $15 School supplies (science equipment, books, paper, pencils, etc.) 
•  $40 Goat to help a family to be self-sustaining 
•  $50 Sponsor a local Kenyan Pastor’s ministry/church 
•  $75 Calf helping a family to be self-sustaining 
•  $100 Teacher’s salary for a month 
•  $150 Water pipes for the school 
•  $200 Boarding a student at our school for one year 
• $300 New Desks and tables at school $
• 5,000 Upgrades for our water drill rig and support truck 
•  $_______ General Donation (any amount where most needed) 

Please go to www.staffofhope.org, “Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter. Thank you!

Together we are making an impact!

Sincerely,

Staff of Hope Board of Directors