The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives around the globe, and it’s hit particularly hard in the areas of Kenya that MOHI serves.

The first confirmed case of the virus emerged on March 12, 2020. As a result, the Kenyan government established a National Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus headed by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, which brought along with it a number of more stringent directives to combat and fight the effects of the global pandemic.

MOHI stepped in immediately, sharing the hope of Christ and addressing the needs as they arose, including promoting best practices to prevent or contain the spread of the disease. We have launched a community-based response that includes initiatives from nutrition and hygiene to education and evangelism.

We’ve been blessed to witness God’s providence in this challenging time, but there is still much work to do! Scroll down to learn more about our response and donate to the MOHI COIVD-19 relief efforts.

With lost income and diminished earnings, many of our parents have been unable to feed their families. We’re excited to share that MOHI and MOHI supporters quickly responded to the need, and since April we have given OVER 25,000 food baskets to families we serve across 25 centers in Kenya. We give glory to God!

To contain the spread of the virus, schools were officially closed in March 2020 (per a presidential directive in Kenya). To keep our students learning during this time, MOHI teachers relied on technology to upload classwork. Others left revision materials at the school entrance with the security guard to allow for review and pick up at a later time.

A phased reopening of schools, starting with grades 4, 8, and 12, began in mid-October and with it came a number of new governmental guidelines that MOHI will need to accommodate. These guidelines call for many changes inside MOHI schools, including additional classrooms, additional teachers, upgraded dormitories, hygiene stations, and more, which require both resources and time.

Learn more about the back-to-school needs

In April, the government required all people to wear face masks while in public or risk a $200 fine. Because many of our parents could not afford to buy masks, MOHI stepped in and spearheaded mass production of affordable 3-ply non-woven masks! This allowed us to hire and empower 50 parents, in addition to our regular sewing staff. This opportunity not only helped keep families protected but also helped them earn additional money during a time when many workplaces were shut down. We are again preparing for large-scale mask production for use with the reopening of school.

Through the Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainers, MOHI embarked on a strategy that involves training community members on the specifics of sanitation and hand hygiene. We’re reaching out to those community leaders through phone calls, and following up with information and resources to disseminate to neighbors and family. We also encouraged those living with HIV/AIDs to procure a three month supply of ARV’s to avoid frequent visits to hospitals. These medicines are offered for free from government facilities.

As believers, we are called to model the practical love of Christ. Through our food distribution efforts, we’re doing just that and have seen many commit their lives to Christ as a result. We thank God for the souls won! Our spiritual development officers are active in linking these new Christians to a Bible-believing congregation.

At all MOHI center entry points, all staff manning those entries are provided with protective gear and sanitizers. We also have hand washing stations to ensure anyone who comes in the center follows the appropriate hygiene procedures. We have a designated holding area in our clinics to house any suspected COVID-19 cases, keeping these individuals separated from others. Our personnel are trained and equipped to support and care for these individuals in their time of need.

We’re continually updating our social media accounts with relevant needs and stories of lives impacted by the MOHI relief efforts. Follow us on any of our major social media platforms for the latest photos and more.

Please pray for the children, families, staff, and leaders of MOHI to effectively navigate the pandemic and the challenges that come with it – to deliver hope and relief to those affected by the disease. MOHI continues to pray for others in need during this time of uncertainty