Wajir is Spiritually and Physically Dry

The area of Wajir is as dry spiritually as it is physically, but an FMI-supported church planter is diligently working to change that.

This semi-arid county in northeastern Kenya shares a border with Somalia and is 99% Muslim. The few hundred Christians in the region are highly discriminated against and are under constant threat of terrorist attacks by the Somali-based militant group, Al-Shabab. Wajir has been in crisis for decades due to the local political instability, famine, and drought (now in its fourth year), and a significant amount of people living below the poverty line. Despite the challenges, 30-year old Pastor Keanjaho holds out for hope for the troubled land.

Keanjaho yielded to the Lord’s calling on his life, left his hometown with much better facilities, and started serving the Lord with FMI in Wajir late last year. He lives with his wife and two young children in this highly unreached part of Kenya in order to bring Living Water to this thirsty region. Several times, he has been ridiculed by passers-by and beaten to try to compel him to renounce his faith. Radical Muslims have stoned him during a worship service and others have threatened to burn down the church building. By God’s grace, Keanjaho’s spiritual and physical fortitude has prevailed. And his congregation has grown in quantity and quality because of his example. Already, the young church numbers more than 100 people.

But the church’s growth can attract unwanted attention. The young Christian girls of his congregation are continuously harassed and daily risk being kidnapped by militants. Keanjaho explains that this social intolerance is the biggest challenge to evangelism. Still, the pastor is determined to serve for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom and purposes, and he relies on the intercession of those who partner with him through FMI> “Pray for our family as we look forward to fully serve God in the mission field as God directs us,” he asks. “As God may open the way, we desire to start a school where we will be educating the children of our community as well as introducing them to the Savior.”

FMI is honored to partner with Keanjaho to empower him to deliver eternal truth through his preaching and community service.