With Valentine’s Day coming up, I wanted to pause and reflect on love. Not just the hearts and flowers of the season, but the deep, committed love that Jesus speaks of when he talks about the Kingdom of God.

Recently, I’ve been reading We Make the Road by Walking by Brian McLaren with some friends. In it, McLaren invites us to expand our often narrow, Western understanding of the “Kingdom of God.” Rather than imagining the kingdom as a far-off place we go someday, McLaren, echoing Jesus himself, describes it as a lived reality here and now. A way of life shaped by the Spirit. A community marked by belonging, connection, justice, mercy, and love. He names it a beloved community or even a holy ecosystem—a living, breathing network where what happens to one affects us all.​

This vision also resonates deeply with the way the Bible Project describes the kingdom of God. They remind us that in Scripture, “kingdom” is not primarily about geography. It is about God’s reign. Wherever God’s will is being done, wherever love replaces fear, dignity replaces shame, and healing replaces harm, the kingdom is breaking in. When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” he is inviting us into that work now. Not someday. Not somewhere else. But right here.

As I reflected on this, I found myself returning to the name of our program, begun 32 years ago: Children of the Kingdom. What a gift that name is.

When we understand the kingdom as beloved community, it becomes clear that the children who come through this program are not merely recipients of care. They are full participants in God’s holy ecosystem of love. They are children who belong. Children whose lives matter. Children through whom God’s reign of compassion, justice, joy, and hope is already unfolding.
The photos below capture this so beautifully. You can see it in the love shared by our leaders, Veronica and Ratnakar, and the children they walk alongside each day. This is what the kingdom looks like. Not abstract. Not distant. But embodied, relational, and real.

At Children of the Kingdom, our end-of-year banquet is a cherished tradition—a time to celebrate God’s faithfulness, reflect on the year, and rejoice with our children and their families through food, song, dance, and joy.
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This year, the banquet became more than a tradition—it became an expression of compassion as our students in Children of the Kingdom opened the celebration to street children and families, reminding them that they are loved, valued, and welcomed by God. They shared a nutritious meal, danced together, and proclaimed the love of Jesus. For many of these children who live on the streets, it was a rare moment of dignity—being invited as guests, not forgotten on the margins.

​This celebration was made possible through the generosity of our community. Parents from our program donated a goat, a cake, and bread. The Children of the Kingdom general fund supported the meal. And most beautifully, our own children gave sacrificially—each child contributing 100 ksh of their own, raising a total of 10,000 ksh (about $100) to share with street children. Together, we created a table where everyone belonged.

Our director Veronica Lemuya reflected that the banquet also revealed sobering realities—hundreds of children under ten years old living on the streets, facing violence, exploitation, and hunger. As we pray, let us remember these children and ask God to raise men and women who will stand with them, protect them, and help restore them to safety and family.
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Every child matters, and every child is known and loved by God. May we continue to be people who make room at the table. 

P.S. To those who have walked this journey with us—thank you. Your faithfulness has helped create moments of dignity, joy, and belonging for countless children. If you feel led to give additional funds to our general fund to make more things like this possible, your ongoing support helps ensure there is always a place at the table. 

Dear Rhonda,  
You’ve restored my hope. Though we’re miles apart, I have felt your love, your support, and your presence for many years. This journey has not been easy, but because of you, I didn’t walk it alone.
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Graduation day was one of the most emotional moments of my life. Words cannot fully express how grateful I was. I thank God for you and for the entire Children of the Kingdom family. May you never lack.

My mother and my aunt were able to join me at the graduation. It was a bittersweet moment. When COVID-19 hit, my mother fell gravely ill and was bedridden for a long time. She was even paralyzed at one point, and the illness was unlike anything I had ever seen. The Children of the Kingdom staff did their best to support us during that time, but inside, I was breaking. I wasn’t sure if my mother would survive to see this day.

Despite everything, I pushed through. I sat for my final high school exams and, by God’s grace, made it to university. I kept it a secret from my mother—I didn’t want to burden her while she was still healing.

You and the Children of the Kingdom team walked with me. You helped carry the load. You became my family. You believed in my potential when life felt uncertain.
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One week before graduation, I called my mum and invited her. Her response was full of shock and questions:
“Who paid your school fees?”
“Who gave you food, transport, everything?”
“How did you manage all this without me knowing?”

She couldn’t believe it—and eventually, she went to ask Veronica (our Children of the Kingdom director) for answers, and she was overwhelmed at what had been provided for me every step of the way.

Now, as I write this, I am a university graduate having earned a Second-Class Upper Division degree. Kenya now has gained a new teacher in the field, and I will be teaching CRE (Christian Religious Education) and history.

My mum is doing very well now. She can walk again, and she is overjoyed.

Thank you for walking with me.  I pray the Lord continues to bless and provide for you according to His riches in glory.

Below is a photo of my mother and me on my graduation day—a testimony of God’s faithfulness and your incredible impact in my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Sydney 

Until recently, USAID funded nearly 60% of essential health programs in Turkana. Following the Executive Order to close USAID operations, vital support has vanished almost overnight—leaving countless families and children vulnerable.

Below is a brief summary of what Veronica Lemuya, our director in Kenya, has observed in Lodwar since USAID was shut down. 

Beyond providing life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), USAID supported communities with food supplements, malaria medication, tuberculosis drugs, and other critical health services. Now, with supplies rapidly dwindling, families have reported that many are turning to traditional remedies that may endanger children’s lives.

At Children of the Kingdom, 20 of our children rely on ARVs—12 of them are orphans, and 8 are being raised by single parents.  As clinics run out of medicine and nutritional support and as so much uncertainty lies ahead, the risk of malnutrition and preventable child deaths grows each day. ​
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To respond to this emergency, we used reserves from our general fund to provide supplementary food for these families during the April school holiday. But the need is ongoing and urgent. 

​Please consider donating to our emergency fund to help us continue caring for these children during this crisis. 

"Growing up, accessing education was not easy for me. However, everything changed when my mother visited the Children of the Kingdom office and asked for assistance with my school fees. That support gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion—I had always dreamed of becoming an agricultural officer.
After completing high school, I wasn’t sure how I would make this dream a reality. Thankfully, with the guidance of Children of the Kingdom staff, I received the direction and support I needed to achieve my career goals.
Today, I actively participate in outreach programs with the Turkana County Government, educating pastoralist communities about animal diseases and how to prevent them. As I graduate with my diploma in Animal Production and Health Management, I am deeply grateful to my sponsor, Terri Lloyd, for believing in me and walking alongside me throughout this journey. Thank you for being there when I needed someone to hold my hand."  -Chota Eregae 

"As a child, I liked school, mainly because of the meals provided, but without food at home, staying in school became difficult. Eventually, I chose to live on the streets, where  I could scavenge through garbage to get food. 
One day, everything changed. I hitched a ride traveling from Lodwar and ended up at the Children of the Kingdom office. When I arrived, they welcomed me with food, took my photo, and encouraged me to return home with my mother. This moment marked the turning point in my life.
The next day, I didn’t return to the streets. Instead, I walked straight into a classroom after years of being out of school. That was the beginning of my academic journey—a journey that taught me endurance, commitment, and the power of education to transform lives.
Today, I am proud to have earned a diploma in Water Engineering, and I am determined to continue reaching greater heights. I am deeply grateful to Children of the Kingdom and my sponsors—Brian and Lisa Hamon along with Jamie Vallocorsa and George Adams—for ensuring my school fees, transport, and upkeep were always taken care of. Your support has shaped my future, and I pray that the Lord blesses you abundantly. Thank you for making my destiny bright!" -Anderson Lokutan 

"After losing my parents, my future felt uncertain, and the hope of attending school seemed out of reach. My uncle took my siblings and me into his family, giving us a chance to go to school.  Life at school was good, and I was able to complete high school despite the challenges. However, with my uncle supporting both his own children and us, further education seemed impossible. But God had a plan. My uncle, a preacher in Lodwar town, reached out to Children of the Kingdom, and through their support, I was able to join medical college. Despite the hardships, I remained focused on my dream. I chose resilience over discouragement, believing that God would make a way. Today, I am proud to have graduated with a Diploma in Perioperative Theater Technology—a rare and much-needed skill in our county. This role not only allows me to assist in life-saving surgeries but also gives me the opportunity to share God’s love with patients before, during, and after their procedures. I am deeply grateful to Children of the Kingdom and to my sponsors, Rachel and Aaron White, for their love, generosity, and belief in my future. Thank you for making this journey possible!"  -Sharon Liwan 

This past week, Veronica Lemuya spearheaded a two-day celebration for Children of the Kingdom to mark 30 years of ministry in Kenya. Rejoice with us and celebrate what God has done in these last three decades in the lives of children and families in Kenya.  

Thanks to the gift of technology, I was able to share this speech below for the celebration (video here) that Veronica translated for me at the banquet: 

It is an honor to share a brief word with you today as we celebrate 30 years of this incredible child sponsorship program. 
For three decades, God has used this mission to transform lives, families, and communities here in Kenya. Today, we look back with gratitude for what He has done and look forward with hope for what He will continue to do.
I want to start off by taking a moment to thank Bishop Kaaleng for the seed he planted back in 1994 that helped to begin this program. I also want to thank those who have walked alongside the children through the years in this work- especially our invaluable Children of the Kingdom team doing the hands on the ground work now– Veronica, Jecinta, and Janet. 
To the students here today: This program is not just about providing education—it is about sharing God’s love. Every lesson you learn, every skill you develop, and every opportunity you receive is a reminder that you are deeply valued and loved by God. He has a purpose for your life, and through your education, He is equipping you to serve His Kingdom in ways that only you can.
Believe in the gifts God has placed within you. Whether you dream of becoming a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, or a leader in your community, remember that your dreams matter. They are part of God’s plan to shine His light in this world.
With this gift of education comes a great responsibility. The world needs people like you—young men and women of faith, courage, and compassion—who will go out and serve others. As you grow, look for ways to give back. Let your life be a reflection of God’s love, bringing hope to those in need, just as this program has done for you.
I encourage you to walk with faith. Remember who you are and whose you are. Zephaniah 3:17 gives us this beautiful truth: “The Lord our God is with you. He is mighty to save. The Lord will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love and rejoice over you with singing.” 
Trust in God’s promises, even when the road feels difficult. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Hold on to that truth. With God’s help, there is no limit to what you can achieve.
As we celebrate 30 years, let us also look to the future. Together, we can continue this mission to empower more children, share God’s love, and build a brighter future for generations to come.
May God bless each of you abundantly. You are the hope of tomorrow, and we are so proud of all you are becoming.

Below is the speech from Samwel Kablit, one of our Children of the Kingdom alumni: 
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Celebrating 30 Years of Children of the Kingdom : A Journey of Transformation and Hope
Today, as we mark the 30th Anniversary of Children of the Kingdom, I reflect on a story that defines God's faithfulness and the power of unwavering hope. This is not just my story but the testimony of countless lives that Children of the Kingdom has transformed over the years.
In 2003, I wrote an application letter seeking sponsorship after my KCPE exams. Though I had excelled and topped my class, I faced uncertainty. As I prepared for our church youth camp in Napeikar, Loima, I had faith that God would reveal Himself. Little did I know that a series of divine interventions would change the trajectory of my life forever.
Despite several follow-ups and relentless prayers, I watched others join high schools while my hope dimmed. I accompanied friends to their schools, not knowing if I would ever have the same chance. At my lowest, I confessed to my mother, who has always been a pillar of strength, that if help didn’t come, I would give up on education altogether.
One day, sitting under a tree, consumed by despair, God intervened. Joshua Lemuya passed by on his Suzuki motorbike—a sound I recognized well. He stopped and asked, “Hujaenda shule?” That moment became my turning point. On February 2, 2004, the very day I was to report to school, Children of the Kingdom had paid my school fees. I was overwhelmed with gratitude—God had answered my prayers.
From that moment, my life took a new direction. I joined high school, proceeded to college, secured my first job before graduation, and eventually completed my undergraduate studies. Today, I am humbled to share that I recently graduated with a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship.
This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Children of the Kingdom, my sponsors, the guidance of Rev. Dr. Joshua Lemuya, and the encouragement from fellow sponsored students. Children of the Kingdom gave me more than education; it gave me hope, purpose, and a future.
As we celebrate 30 years of Children of the Kingdom, I thank God for this incredible ministry and its impact. It is a reminder that no matter how hopeless a situation seems, God’s timing is perfect, and His plans are always greater.
To Children of the Kingdom, its founders, sponsors, and supporters: thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ. May you continue to transform lives for generations to come.

While this letter below was addressed to me, it is for all of us who have been a part of this work for the last thirty years. What amazing grace that "Children of the Kingdom has become more than an organization. It's a home, a community, and a source of inspiration." All glory and praise to God as we celebrate thirty years! ​

Ratnakar Thota, director of Children of the Kingdom in India, was invited to come to South Dakota for a leadership conference in October, so we were able to host him in Seattle for a week before his conference started. It was his first time in the US, and we had a wonderful time introducing him to some of the beautiful people and places here. This quote above about gratitude captures Ratnakar's spirit while he was here, and we are so grateful for the ways that God has woven our stories together to serve in ministry together. 

For those of us who have been to India to visit the Thota family, one of the most amazing gifts that we have received has been their incredible gift of hospitality. We have experienced God's love around the table and in their home in such beautiful ways, and it certainly has made an impression on us through the generosity and love shared. In that same spirit, we were so delighted to invite Ratnakar into our home, family, and community while he was here. Many thanks to those sponsors and friends who helped to extend such a warm welcome for his visit! 

As a child, going back to school for many of us was filled with excitement and anticipation of the year ahead. With rising school fees and higher costs for school supplies, many children in Kenya struggle to access opportunities for education. Essential items like uniforms, books, backpacks, sanitary supplies, and toiletries are often out of reach, leaving some students with no other choice but to drop out of school.  

​​Children of the Kingdom remains committed to bridging this gap. In August, Children of the Kingdom provided school supplies and fees to 82 unsponsored students. This one-time support aimed to ensure that these children could stay on track with their education. As schools open each term, our team on the ground there in Kenya is praying for continued resources to help even more children overcome the obstacles they face, so that no child is left behind in their academic journey.​

Thank you for your continued support that is allowing us to make a real impact on the community for many children and families in Turkana! 

​I had a chance to be in India this past week, and it was a ridiculously joyful time with Ratnakar (our India director), his family, and the children and families in the Children of the Kingdom program. 

​I want to share some of that joy with you here. Each day, we made multiple home visits to see the children and their families, and every time I took off my sandals and walked over the threshold into their homes, it was a reminder to me that I was on holy ground. It was such an honor to bear witness to the stories that were shared from the families that gave me windows into their resilience, their grief over unspeakable loss, their delight in one another, and their fierce and abiding love and commitment.

​In hearing people’s stories through the week, the story of Hagar was a poignant one to share about at church on Sunday morning. In spite of the fact that Hagar was a non-Israelite woman with no power or status, she was the first person in Scripture to be visited by an angel and the only person in Scripture to give God a name--El Roi, “the God who sees me.” 

Sunday evening, we gathered again to celebrate Mother’s Day and hosted a banquet for the mothers in the community. I asked the children through the week what they loved about their moms, and they named many things: their cooking, listening, nurturing, helping them when they are hurting, calling to check up on them, buying special things for them that they know they will love, and taking care of them whatever situations come up- good or bad.  They shared stories about their smiles, kindness, affection, gentleness, and love. 

​We gave crowns to everyone as they walked in the church, and after the Mother’s Day message that I shared, we passed out necklaces with rhinestone pendants to the mothers to remind them of Proverbs 31:10: “She is far more precious than jewels.” 

​And after the gifts were handed out, we handed out bubbles to blow in honor and celebration of their mothers there in our midst, and it was a time of sheer delight and joy for everyone. There really is something magical about a whole room filled with bubbles! 

It seemed that everyone left that night glowing from the celebration and the love that filled that room. How great is the love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God! 

​It was a wonderful time to be there this past week, and the investment in these children through this program over the last 14 years is showing much fruit as they are growing up in such a beautiful community clearly anchored and grounded in God’s love. Thank you for your continued support of these precious children around the world!