John’s heart was burdened.

He serves as a pastor in some of Kenya’s poorest communities, and today, he was worried. As the school holidays began, he knew there were students who would be going without food. At school they would receive one hot meal a day. But with schools closed, many of these children would be lucky to eat regularly even once a day. 

John longed to provide a simple lunch for them throughout the school holidays until classes resumed. His church already ran a feeding program for the elderly, and more and more children had begun showing up each day. 

Mark, a staff member at the nearby Rift Valley Academy (RVA), decided to help.

RVA is an AIM-run Christian boarding school in Kenya for children of missionaries serving across Africa. By providing education and pastoral care, the school helps families continue their ministry in some of Africa’s most challenging locations.

Mark organised a delivery of maize, beans, and cooking fat to John’s church. Meanwhile Australian AIM workers Steve and Heidi, who also serve at RVA, reached out to their supporters back home. They asked for funds to cover the cost of the supplies. Just $12 would provide enough food for 240 meals.  

They were overwhelmed by the generous response.  

Enough funds were raised to provide an incredible 38,500 meals for hungry students during the long school holiday break!  

Each gift helped put a simple scoop of githeri (maize and beans) into the hands and bellies of these precious children, giving them the strength to get through the holiday season and into the next school year. 

Even more, the generosity of their supporters meant there will be resources available for future school holidays as well, which is an enormous blessing for both the children and those who lovingly prepare the meals.  

Partnership with local churches is central to the way AIM serves across Africa.

Just as Mark, Steve and Heidi came alongside John, AIM workers seek to serve alongside African church leaders, strengthening and supporting them as they minister in their own communities. 

Africa has a growing and vibrant church, but there is still much work to be done. Across the continent, hundreds of people groups remain unreached by the gospel, while local churches and Christian ministries continue to face significant challenges. Missionaries like Steve and Heidi have an important role to play, working alongside African Christians, sharing skills and resources, and supporting local initiatives like John’s. It’s a wonderful example of how partnership in the gospel can make a difference.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…” – Matthew 25:35