Today was one of those days that remind me why The Filter Project exists. It was a day full of excitement, hard work, spiritual transformation, and deep connection — the kind of day that fuels our mission and fills our hearts.
We had the privilege of distributing 50 water filters in Sierende Ward, bringing our total in the area to 250. These filters were generously sponsored by the amazing family at Riverbend Church in Hernando, Mississippi. Their congregation raised $3,000 to make this happen. Even more inspiring, the youth at their DNOW weekend took time to assemble each filter by hand, write letters to both our missionaries and the families receiving the filters, and pray over every single one. It’s a beautiful picture of the global body of Christ in action.
The day began early. Joshua, our TFP photographer from Nairobi, and I picked up Mercy, our campaign director, then headed to Pastor Charles’ house to gather the 50 buckets and supplies. From there, we made our way to the church for distribution — and to pick up the baptistry.
When we arrived at the church, the team was already there, ready to help unload, set up the buckets, and prepare the filters. Some missionaries also began assembling the baptistry and filling it — one jerry can at a time. It took more than 68 jerry cans, which is roughly three full donkey carts of water. It was a labor-intensive process, but a powerful one, as everyone worked together joyfully.
As the new filter recipients arrived and took their seats, the missionaries led a training session — explaining how to use and clean the filters and the critical importance of safe water for health and hygiene. After the filter training, they shared the Gospel and 15 individuals gave their lives to Christ. It was a holy moment — a true reflection of our mission to bring transformation both physically and spiritually.
Following the distribution, we transitioned to the next part of the day: baptism. We celebrated five baptisms — two of whom are new missionary trainees starting full-time in May, and three local recipients of the filters, including someone I had the joy of personally leading to Christ just days earlier. What a reminder of what follows obedience and faith — the first baptisms of the TFP Kitale Campaign. I truly believe this is just the beginning of what God is doing here.
To wrap up the day, we gathered as a team for a brief recap and some encouraging words. I then invited the whole team back to my hotel for a celebratory dinner. It was a special time to break bread, share stories, and grow in friendship and unity.
Prior to this trip, our missionaries used their cell phones to read Bible verses to the recipients. As a gift to Kitale team, TFP purchased new bilingual Bibles for each member, with Swahili on one side and English on the other side. Our hope is that this will bless them both in their personal study and as they share the Gospel with others.
Sunday, I head to Nairobi to preach at Pastor Harrison’s church in Tassia, on “Dependence on God” from Nehemiah 6:15–16. I’ll then head home to the States on Sunday night — my heart full, my spirit encouraged, and my vision for The Filter Project more clear than ever.
This trip has been a tremendous blessing, not just for TFP, but for me personally. I can’t wait to return — and next time, I want to bring others along so they can witness firsthand the life-changing work happening here in Kenya. The harvest is truly plentiful.