Shepherd's Heart 4/10/26
A Return to Hope
Five years ago, on my very first trip to Kenya, the children of Cherish Watoto stole my heart. I’ve returned every year since, and what a joy and privilege it has been to watch these children grow—year after year—right before my eyes.
These are children who come from vulnerable situations, many orphaned or living in extreme poverty. Without Cherish Watoto, their stories may have looked very different. But because this church boldly said yes to God’s invitation over two decades ago, hope was planted. Opportunity was created. Lives were changed.
I am deeply grateful to be part of a church that continues to say, we can, and we must, do better for these children.
This most recent trip, however, carried a different weight. It was emotional. The staff and students have endured a season of real hardship, and being together in person mattered more than ever. There was a shared sense of relief—of being seen and heard.
I took time to meet with each staff member—reaffirming our commitment to the mission God originally set before us. Together, we talked about what it will take to move forward, recognizing that rebuilding will require unity, trust, and shared responsibility. And we were reminded of this truth: The same God who was with us in the valley—through challenge, uncertainty, and stretching—is the same God who will lead us to the mountaintop again.
There is, by God’s grace, encouraging progress.
The new interim leadership team has brought structure, wisdom, and calm to Cherish. The children are once again receiving nutritious, well-balanced meals. And we saw it with our own eyes—a clean facility with happy, healthy children, eager to learn. Several students shared that the school feels transformed this year. When children are cared for well, they are able to focus, grow, and flourish.
One of the most important steps during our visit was going classroom to classroom—verifying each student, gathering updated profiles, and capturing new photos. This will support the launch of a new digital sponsorship system, strengthening both financial accountability and communication with our supporters. I am especially grateful for Sue Halford and Irene Temple, who invested countless hours to help move this important work forward.
The children and staff were eager to send greetings back to all of you. They send their love, gratitude, and heartfelt thanks for believing in them. For many sponsors, we brought back handwritten letters from students, which are available at the Connect Center.
As we continue moving forward, we are also committed to strengthening accountability. Following a thorough process, the previous Director and Finance Clerk have been terminated, and we are actively working through a forensic review and legal process to establish the full scope of what occurred and determine appropriate next steps—both for full accountability and to recoup losses where possible.
There is still work ahead. Our facilities require repair and attention, and we will continue to prioritize safety and structural improvements as funding allows.
To those who have been walking alongside Cherish Watoto for years—praying, giving, sponsoring, and believing—thank you. Your faithfulness has carried this ministry through both joyful and difficult seasons, and your impact is seen in every child who is learning, growing, and filled with hope today.
And if you feel a stirring to be part of what God is continuing to do at Cherish, we would love to invite you into this work. Whether through prayer, sponsorship, or giving, there is a place for you. If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me directly or visit our Cherish page for more details.
This trip reminded me that while seasons may shift, God’s faithfulness does not. And the mission remains clear.
We are not finished. In many ways, we are being invited to begin again—with deeper wisdom, stronger systems, and renewed faith.
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for being a church that continues to show up—with courage, compassion, and generosity.
Because of you, hope is still alive at Cherish Watoto. And the best is yet to come.
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
Five years ago, on my very first trip to Kenya, the children of Cherish Watoto stole my heart. I’ve returned every year since, and what a joy and privilege it has been to watch these children grow—year after year—right before my eyes.
These are children who come from vulnerable situations, many orphaned or living in extreme poverty. Without Cherish Watoto, their stories may have looked very different. But because this church boldly said yes to God’s invitation over two decades ago, hope was planted. Opportunity was created. Lives were changed.
I am deeply grateful to be part of a church that continues to say, we can, and we must, do better for these children.
This most recent trip, however, carried a different weight. It was emotional. The staff and students have endured a season of real hardship, and being together in person mattered more than ever. There was a shared sense of relief—of being seen and heard.
I took time to meet with each staff member—reaffirming our commitment to the mission God originally set before us. Together, we talked about what it will take to move forward, recognizing that rebuilding will require unity, trust, and shared responsibility. And we were reminded of this truth: The same God who was with us in the valley—through challenge, uncertainty, and stretching—is the same God who will lead us to the mountaintop again.
There is, by God’s grace, encouraging progress.
The new interim leadership team has brought structure, wisdom, and calm to Cherish. The children are once again receiving nutritious, well-balanced meals. And we saw it with our own eyes—a clean facility with happy, healthy children, eager to learn. Several students shared that the school feels transformed this year. When children are cared for well, they are able to focus, grow, and flourish.
One of the most important steps during our visit was going classroom to classroom—verifying each student, gathering updated profiles, and capturing new photos. This will support the launch of a new digital sponsorship system, strengthening both financial accountability and communication with our supporters. I am especially grateful for Sue Halford and Irene Temple, who invested countless hours to help move this important work forward.
The children and staff were eager to send greetings back to all of you. They send their love, gratitude, and heartfelt thanks for believing in them. For many sponsors, we brought back handwritten letters from students, which are available at the Connect Center.
As we continue moving forward, we are also committed to strengthening accountability. Following a thorough process, the previous Director and Finance Clerk have been terminated, and we are actively working through a forensic review and legal process to establish the full scope of what occurred and determine appropriate next steps—both for full accountability and to recoup losses where possible.
There is still work ahead. Our facilities require repair and attention, and we will continue to prioritize safety and structural improvements as funding allows.
To those who have been walking alongside Cherish Watoto for years—praying, giving, sponsoring, and believing—thank you. Your faithfulness has carried this ministry through both joyful and difficult seasons, and your impact is seen in every child who is learning, growing, and filled with hope today.
And if you feel a stirring to be part of what God is continuing to do at Cherish, we would love to invite you into this work. Whether through prayer, sponsorship, or giving, there is a place for you. If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me directly or visit our Cherish page for more details.
This trip reminded me that while seasons may shift, God’s faithfulness does not. And the mission remains clear.
We are not finished. In many ways, we are being invited to begin again—with deeper wisdom, stronger systems, and renewed faith.
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for being a church that continues to show up—with courage, compassion, and generosity.
Because of you, hope is still alive at Cherish Watoto. And the best is yet to come.
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister