Welcome Into the Story Come and see what love looks like when it takes root in hard soil. In Maai Mahiu, a small town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, the Mwangi family once struggled under the weight of relentless drought. Yet amid hardship, they found hope through a network of support reaching back nearly 50 years — a partnership between Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), the African Christian Church & Schools (ACC&S), and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. A Season of Loss Years ago, the land gave up on them. Their harvest failed. Their animals died. Their children went to bed hungry. “I felt like running away,” Stephen remembers. “You feel humiliated when your children go without food,” Ruth says.

They were one of 400 families chosen through a communi- ty-led process, recognized for their resilience, respect, and readiness to lead others — even in their pain.. Rooted Partnerships, Faithful Presence CBM and ACC&S didn’t come with a handout, but with hands to work alongside. They offered more than seeds — they offered trust.

Over three years, Stephen and Ruth received tools, drought-resistant seeds, conservation farming training, and a chance to join a new kind of community — one focused on resilience and hope. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank made it possible to reach hundreds more. Transformation Takes Root With support, Stephen planted ag ain. He and Ruth started a tree nursery. They began harvest- ing rainwater and using new cookstoves that saved trees.

“Now we see God doing miracles,” Stephen says. A New Way to Love “God has given me enough that I can share,” says Stephen. “Now I help my neighbour.”

With every tree planted and every training shared, the com- munity grows stronger. Stephen and Ruth embody CBM’s mission: to serve the church and love the world — starting in their own backyard. Invitation to Celebrate the Mission This is not just a story of relief, it’s a testimony of resilience, leadership, and hope.

Because of the ongoing support of people like you, families like Stephen and Ruth’s are continuing to grow — rooted in Christ, flourishing in faith.

And now, you’ve entered into this journey too. “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.” Isaiah 61:3