Circle of Light - Energy to lift the world's poor out of darkness

Number of CoL homes: 446

About 4,000 people live in the community of Mambai, where people are known to be kind and welcoming. In the tropical climate and fertile soil, farmers grow corn, bananas, beans, cabbage, cassava, potatoes, coffee and tea. Circle of Light (CoL) was launched in January of 2005, but membership grows at a slow rate. However, CoL has inspired a sense of hope that positive transformation in the community is possible, despite poor community leadership.

The community is predominantly populated by the Luhya tribe, which is known for its male circumcision ceremony carried out every other year. A special rite of passage, this marks a period of transition from boyhood to manhood. During the circumcision, done with no anaesthesia, a boy may not scream, make any unnecessary movements or even blink. This proves that he is worthy of respect from the women and community. This is one reason the Luhya people consider their tribe to be very strong.

Christianity makes up the main religion in the area, and the CoL Christian Training Center is used as a place of worship on Sundays and for fellowship and Bible studies.

The Mambai Energy Store leadership has initiated a tree planting effort in order to re-forest the area. Trees have been planted around the Energy Store and all members are expected to plant trees near their homes and on their farms.

Community prayer requests:

That God will raise up strong leadership in their community that is capable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Even with Christianity making up the main religion, there is great need for youth ministry, pastoral training and adequate church buildings and furnishings.
The community seems to have a sense of resignation and despondency. Pray for creative thinking, empowerment and initiative to tackle community issues and the hard situations they face.
There is a high rate of poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth who have reverted to drinking, theft and other vices. Pray for salvation of the youth, and that they will discover God's plan for their lives.