In our young adult years, we both felt a desire to dedicate ourselves to development work. In 2014, after completing her studies in Social Pedagogical Help (SPH), Jolanda traveled to Kenya for three months, where she worked at a school in Likoni and, together with social workers, supported single mothers in starting their own small businesses through a microcredit project. Stephan also became acquainted with Kenya during that time and was able to draw on his earlier experiences in Brazil, where he was involved with Youth With A Mission in 2010. Since then, our calling to serve in Kenya has only grown, driven by our faith and the desire to offer love, hope, and practical support.

In November 2023, this desire was reaffirmed when Jolanda saw a large billboard at the ferry from Mombasa to Likoni with the words: “God has a plan for you.” This message deeply moved us and confirmed that God is calling us to give people hope, especially in difficult circumstances. Back in the Netherlands, we heard Jesse van Melle speak at Mozaiek0118 about Mark 4: Jesus called His disciples to cross the lake, out of their comfort zone, despite the chaos that followed. “Wherever we go, God does not leave us alone. We can trust that God is with us, even in the storm.”These words, and the call to go where He sends us, are a reminder of our mission.

We believe that God will make a way (Isaiah 43:19) and that those who are rooted in Him will bear fruit (Psalm 1:3). From this conviction, we are committed to strengthening the local community, trusting that we may be a light to others (Isaiah 58:10–11).

There are reports that in Kenya, more than 40% of the total population earns their livelihood in some way “in or through agriculture.” For rural families, this figure can be as high as 70%.

Agriculture is still the lifeblood of many communities. Many families depend (partly) on the land for their survival.

In many regions of Kenya, valuable agricultural knowledge has been lost. Farmers have become dependent on expensive pesticides that deplete the soil and place a financial burden on families. The hidden costs are enormous. 1 in 3 children is undernourished, leading to lasting developmental delays. An entire generation is therefore unable to fully flourish and reach its full potential.

We are building the Tree of Life Amani Center: an inspiration and training center where local farmers and leaders are equipped with sustainable, natural, and affordable farming methods, according to the Foundation for Farming method.

This method restores the soil, strengthens communities, and brings farmers back to agriculture that produces life.

According to the principle of “train the trainer,” we invest in people who, in turn, train others.

The center is not for us.

It is for the people of Kenya—for their future, their strength, their harvest, and their children.

Where knowledge is restored, life is restored.