After receiving Galla goats from Samaritan’s Purse, Martin feels a renewed sense of hope not only for his family, but also his community.
As an ongoing drought plagued his rural village of Thakaye, Kenya, Martin* struggled to put food on the table for his wife and three children. There were limited economic opportunities in the area, and all of his livestock had died from disease. While he attempted to cultivate a small vegetable garden, he had only excess wastewater to give to the few plants that had sprouted.
Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, Samaritan’s Purse came to his suffering village, offering help in Jesus’ Name. Soon, Martin was able to breathe a sigh of relief.
Through our livelihood program, Martin received six high-quality Galla goats—five does and a buck for breeding. He also participated in livestock training, where he learned how to care for the new farm animals and construct a raised goat pen to house them. His wife, Joanna*, has also tended the flock, giving Martin time to pursue earth brickmaking as another source of income.
“I no longer struggle to get by. I have become an inspiration for my family and the entire community.”
In addition to now enjoying protein-rich milk, Martin is excited for the economic opportunities the goats offer. Once they produce offspring, the family will be able to sell them and use the funds to help their children get a quality education.
Martin, a Christian pastor, sees the goats as a ministry opportunity with his neighbors as well. He has shared what he learned through our goat husbandry training with them and has offered his male goat for breeding.
“The respect I have earned in this community and the love I experience at home constantly remind me of the positive impact Samaritan’s Purse has had on my life,” Martin said. “I no longer struggle to get by. I have become an inspiration for my family and the entire community.”
Shelter for a Growing Church
In addition to providing for his family, Martin feels the weight of tending to the needs of the church he pastors. Located in a neighboring village called Makutano, the congregation formerly met under a tree, providing limited protection from the blistering sun.
Pastor Martin’s church used to meet under this tree in Makutano.
Martin praised God when Samaritan’s Purse offered to build a roof for the congregation’s meeting place. We also provided Bibles and hymnals, aiding the congregation in their weekly Bible study, prayer meetings, and worship services. Since the additions, the church has grown from 30 members to over 70 as more people continue to find comfort and strength in their faith.
Martin has also been greatly encouraged by the villagers’ response to several screenings of the JESUS film, organized by Samaritan’s Purse staff members. Because it was shown in Swahili, he provided live narration in the local Giryama language, helping viewers better understand and relate to the message.
Samaritan’s Purse built Pastor Martin’s church a roof to meet under while also supplying them with Bibles and hymnals for the various meetings of the congregation.
Martin was encouraged to see God use the movie to transform lives; many new believers began their walk with Jesus Christ. The experience has given him renewed passion for evangelism.
“On one occasion, I witnessed a neighbor dedicate her life to Jesus after watching the film,” he said. “The joy and hope in that moment deeply reinforced my calling to share God’s Word.”
We praise God that Martin can now shepherd not only his goats—which provide for his family—but also better shepherd his community as they seek the Lord.
“Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).
*Name changed for security
