Sharing Christ by Meeting Needs
The Shileche siblings grew up in Kenya with farming assistance from Compassion International. With this vital method of income, their quality of life along with their awareness of needs all around them increased. The burden to assist others became their mission. As adults, the Shileche’s realized quickly the work was too great to tackle themselves and turned to the Lord in prayer. When the Holy Spirit moved upon their hearts in 2009, the Shileche’s founded the Organization of Local Communities Against Poverty (OLCAP).
OLCAP’s goal is to aid the needy and introduce them to Jesus. Whether through practical seminars, assistance to widows, animal rearing, medical care, Bible distribution, community events, prayer retreats, sports equipment donations, or door-to-door evangelism, thousands of Kenyans are experiencing the love of Christ. In every interaction, OLCAP incorporates prayer, sharing the gospel, and/or an invitation to Bible studies. To use Maureen Shileche’s words, “medics treat, but Jesus heals.”
Practical Needs
Sadly, OLCAP encounters numerous people with curable ailments living as shut-ins due to lack of finances. Jigger flea infestation is one such affliction. Dirt floors give jigger fleas ample opportunity to turn bare feet into new homes. Without means to cover the $20 cost of treatment, those affected are left too sore to walk to school or work. Fortunately, there are compassionate people like those of OLCAP to offer care for free. OLCAP comes in with a holistic approach not only treating the patients, but also sharing Christ and providing counsel on prevention. Ignorance is not always bliss.
OLCAP is also making a difference through its livelihood program through which the disadvantaged receive farm animals, feed, and farm training. These chickens, goats, pigs, and rabbits provide food and a lasting source of income. Pig rearing has tremendously impacted the lives of Irine and her family, for example. When her sow gave birth to eleven piglets, Irine donated two to another family and sold six. Irine used the profit for food, medical care, clothes, and a calf for a future supply of milk. Once struggling to put food on the table, Irine’s family is now thriving and even helping others in need.
Another method OLCAP utilizes to impact its community is sports. Once a year, the ministry hosts several different sports matches for all ages. Even the older women freely participate! After the games, attendees gather to hear from guest speakers such as government leaders, pastors, and evangelists. Prayer, preaching, and a call for salvation are always included in events and to God’s glory, many come to accept Jesus as Lord.
Community Impact
Through its various events and programs, OLCAP meets several individuals without a home church. OLCAP acted on this need and began inviting people to weekly prayer and worship meetings in the clinic veranda. When the clinic was unavailable, the saints sought the Lord together in the shade of nearby trees. Today, OLCAP has 35+ regular members and, as of last week, a newly-constructed church building! OLCAP looks forward to hosting not only worship, but also future community events.
God is bringing hope through OLCAP’s small, but mighty team of eight full-time workers and five part-time, medical volunteers. OLCAP invites disciples of Christ to come to Kenya and help at the clinics, share the gospel, visit schools, and give clean water. By relieving the distraction of immediate, physical needs, people are more receptive to the Gospel. Together, let us be living examples of Hebrews 13:16-
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Please join us in prayer for increased partnership with OLCAP as all financial and material donations for their work come from friends, family, and donors through Serving Workers for the Harvest.
