St. James Mission is a large-scale mission of love located in Kenya’s Bura territory. The mission is comprised of several projects and wide-spread outreach among the people who remain isolated from more populous areas.
A church has been built which also serves as the main hub. St James Parish and The Father’s House are located in Kamtonga in Taita Taveta County in Kenya’s coastal region, which covers over 17,000 km2 and has a population of nearly 285,000. This culturally diverse community includes migrants and refugees especially from post-Rwandan genocide. Outreach done through home visits shows that many are living in “religious syncretism.” The Father’s House within St. James Mission addresses an urgent need for housing mission personnel and offices that serve to stabilize physical, social, educational, and spiritual assistance. This new 3,700 square-foot facility, which includes space for a variety of uses, will unlock countless opportunities for holistic human development in the region.
Because farming in the Kamtonga area is difficult, mining is the main source of industry and income. Mining is local to St. James Parish but also exists in far-reaching parts of the mission. Human trafficking thrives by supplying workers for the crude mines and forced prostitution among those enticed to the remote area with promises of paid hospitality positions – food service, etc.
A few outstation churches have been established. These churches (mostly built of sticks and some cloth if available) somewhat adequately serve the needs of the growing faith communities for the time being. However, an urgent need exists for a medical outstation or “clinic.”
Mining accidents are common and injuries requiring medical attention often result in death. Pregnant and birthing mothers are also at great risk. A medical outstation would help by administering first aid or other treatment in order to improve chances of survival for individuals requiring emergency or intensive treatment. The closest hospital is a two-hour drive over rough terrain.
If you’d like more information regarding the St James Mission, its people or projects, please contact us. Become a mission partner in support of a compassionate undertaking to confirm the image of God in man on the periphery.
