According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 3.6 million (one fifth) of those under the age of 18 in Kenya are orphaned or vulnerable and 1.1 million of those have been orphaned as a result of HIV. Over 38% of Kenyans live in poverty and following the pandemic, those living in poverty in Kenya increased by 20%. Many families cannot afford to send their children to school due to financial constraints, resulting in a significant number of young people being deprived of basic education. The lack of education perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as individuals without the necessary skills and knowledge struggle to find stable employment opportunities. The impact of poverty is also evident in the housing conditions experienced by vulnerable communities in Kenya. Slums and informal settlements are common in urban areas, where individuals live in makeshift shelters with little to no access to basic amenities. Unsanitary living conditions in these areas increase health risks and disease vulnerability.
​
At the start of 2024, CTL formalized our partnership with LifeWay Children’s Centre in Kisii, Kenya. The ministry began in the year 2000 as a church that met on a plot of land to worship and study the Bible. When the church began providing meals after the Sunday services, church leaders soon noticed that more children began to attend the services, likely because of the weekly feeding program. Recognizing the need, the leaders began praying about a ministry to poor children in the community. In 2008, through connections in the UK and the generosity of others, the church expanded to have multiple buildings designated to provide children with a safe place to stay. This was the birth of LifeWay Children’s Centre and just a couple years later, LifeWay was registered and recognized by the Kenyan government.​
​
In 2021, Befon nearly had to close the children's home because financial provisions began to diminish; they could not afford to care for the children, who at this point were literally starving. Befon had to sell assets from LifeWay Church just to make ends meet. In the midst of this, Befon had a desire to continue to study and learn theology and began to do some research, where he found Pleasant View Mennonite Church in Oklahoma. Befon listened to their church services online for some time, even gathering members of LifeWay Church to occasionally listen to the sermons. 
​
In 2022, Befon began to form a friendship with the head pastor of Pleasant View Church, Jeff. Befon shared with Pastor Jeff his desire to study theology and asked if Jeff would mentor him. The two met weekly on Zoom, and later Jeff introduced Befon and the LifeWay ministry to the church elders via Zoom.  
 
LifeWay was still on the verge of closing entirely at this point, but thankfully, Pleasant View Church stepped in and was able to support LifeWay for several months, ensuring the children were fed and would remain at LifeWay. This is when Children to Love International (CTL) learned about LifeWay. Through CTL’s 17-year relationship with Pleasant View Church, Pastor Jeff reached out to discuss a more permanent solution to meet the needs of LifeWay. CTL was introduced to Befon and began to get to know him better, as well as the ministry at LifeWay Children’s Centre.

​

In January of 2023, CTL’s President joined Pastor Jeff and several Pleasant View church leaders for a quick trip to Kisii, Kenya to personally meet Befon and see the ministry in action. Following this trip and more conversation, it became clear by the fall of 2023 that LifeWay aligns well with CTL’s mission, vision, and core values and discussions of LifeWay becoming a partner of CTL began. 

In January 2024, LifeWay Children’s Centre became Children to Love’s sixth ministry partner. Today, Befon and 11 other LifeWay employees care for 121 children on the LifeWay campus, and help an additional 30 children and their families in nearby communities. By the grace of God, LifeWay is now able to provide the children with food, safe housing, education and the love of Jesus.

The children residing at LifeWay Children’s Centre primarily attend local schools, but some are in boarding schools in sub-county, county and national schools. Befon's vision for LifeWay is to extend the land to be able to build a medical clinic as well as a small school for the young children who currently walk a distance to get to school.

​
Pastor Befon Asiago is the great great grandson of the founder of the original church in 2000. He was appointed the Director of LifeWay in 2020, after having served as a youth leader at LifeWay Church. Befon received a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology in 2020. Befon also works closely with the local government to advise on matters affecting children.
 
Befon pastors LifeWay Christian Church alongside elders. There are about 80 adults who attend on a weekly basis and many children. LifeWay Church has also planted eight churches and three small home churches in other communities in the surrounding area. There are a combined 1,250 people who attend these churches. LifeWay also serves others in their community, caring for widows, visiting the sick and praying with them. They help needy families by building houses and providing clothing and other basic necessities when funds allow.