Developments: Transforming Lives Through Community and Faith

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are excited to share the latest updates and developments from our work at Vintage Skills International! Your generous donations have been instrumental in enabling us to make meaningful changes and uplift communities in need. We invite you to read on and discover the impact you are making through our initiatives in Kenya and Liberia, as well as our growing efforts here in the United States.

Inspiring Initiatives in Kenya

Kapsitweti Training Institute

In Kenya, our dedicated team member Stephen has launched a 5-Day workshop at the Kapsitweti Training Institute for Needy Children. Kapsitweti, meaning “Mount of Blessing,” is aptly named, as it provides a nurturing environment for growing children, some of whom are orphans. With around 30 participants—teachers, parents, and students—showing up for the first session, the excitement was palpable. Just imagine the vast land available for starting productive gardens! Together, we can transform this potential into reality.

Stephen is committed to teaching one day each week, imparting valuable skills that will empower these children and their families. But he didn’t stop there!

Yanza Group in Ebusiratsi

Stephen has also formed another group called Yanza in Ebusiratsi, located in the subcounty of Emuhaya. This group, consisting of 13 dedicated members, is diving into the 5-Day workshop as well. However, we were faced with tragedy on their first day of gathering. A respected member and friend of Stephen’s tragically collapsed and passed away while working in the field. While the cause of his death remains unknown, incidents like this are all too common in the region. Stephen is on a mission to change these grim statistics and improve community health through education and sustainable practices.

Eluhobe Restoration Group

Additionally, Stephen is kicking off another group, the Eluhobe Restoration Group, which will meet on Sundays from 2 to 4 PM with another 13 members. Together, they will learn, grow, and support each other in their agricultural journeys, focusing on sustainable living and nutrition.

Progress in Liberia

Training for Change

Meanwhile, at our training center in Liberia, we are making strides in sharing the gospel and fostering community development. Ernest recently conducted a training session for our staff, teaching them how to effectively share the gospel message using the Jesus Film. This coming Saturday night, they plan to show the film in a subcommunity of Tappita, where it will serve as a platform for sharing the life-changing message of hope through our Messiah.

After the screening, they will begin teaching the lessons from the 5-Day workshop, equipping the community with the knowledge they need to thrive.

Clean Water Access

We are thrilled to share a significant praise report: the new well at our training center is complete and operational! This well provides clean water to the community, replacing our previous source, which had been contaminated. I can personally attest to the importance of this upgrade—I once bathed in that contaminated water and contracted a nasty bacterial infection! Thanks to the generous donations that funded this installation, we now have a larger, more reliable well that meets the needs of our training center.

Exciting Developments at Home

Podcast Series Launch

Back in the U.S., we are launching a podcast series focused on mission work. In this series, we will explore the effectiveness of current missions, discuss challenges and successes, and address how the body of Messiah can unify in its efforts for outreach. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and inspiration!

Upcoming Class

I’m also excited to teach a class in North Florida on “Cultivating Resilience: Local Plant Breeding for Food Security” this Friday, March 21st. Click here for more details.

Restoring Mankind to the Garden

Our mission to restore mankind to the garden remains at the forefront of our work. In the beginning, God created a world filled with plants and trees that purify the air and provide abundance to sustain life. We are called to “dress it and keep it,” and through our work, we aim to redeem both the soil and our lives. It’s essential to address the physical needs of humanity while nurturing their spiritual well-being.

Together, with your continued support and prayers, we can make a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!

Let’s move forward together, restoring mankind to the garden and creating a brighter future for all. 

With gratitude,    

Wendy Jackson, CEO & International Director

Vintage Skills International