2026-03-10 · Arise and Shine

Ministry Update: Arise and Shine (Kenya)

Arise and Shine serves families caring for children with disabilities in Kericho, Kenya.The ministry focuses on offering free therapies for children and training for parents, as well as supplying wheelchairs and other assistive equipment. Arise and Shine experienced significant growth and transformation last year, expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

Founder Pamela Keno’s ministry journey began with her own son, Joshua, who was born with autism. After facing years of stigma and rejection from church, family, and community, Pamela felt called to support other families walking the same difficult path. Her experience of isolation and judgment has given her a unique burden to point struggling families to Christ while meeting their practical needs. Today, Joshua has made great progress, including developing some speech and no longer requiring diapers. God’s faithfulness in her own family fuels her compassion for others.

One of last year’s most powerful testimonies came through a mother who was preparing to commit suicide and take the life of her child after her husband kicked them out for having a disabled son. A neighbor called Arise and Shine, and Pamela and her team arrived to find the woman with a rope around her and her child’s neck. Through sharing the gospel and practical intervention, they were able to prevent the tragedy. Arise and Shine hosted this woman and her son in their home, then helped rent a house for her, opened a small business so she could support herself and her son (who has cerebral palsy), and welcomed her into their church family. She continues to attend church and has experienced the transforming power of Christ’s love through this ministry.

The ministry has witnessed significant changes in community attitudes toward disability. When Arise and Shine began, families were hiding their children with disabilities due to stigma and shame. Now, parents and caregivers bring their children openly, demonstrating acceptance and hope.